Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III led the ceremonial distribution of land titles, debt relief certificates and vital support services to over 5,000 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from the provinces of Bohol and Cebu at the Mandaue Cultural and Sports Complex, on Thursday. 

The secretary emphasized that the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs), electronic titles (e-titles), and Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) marks a turning point in the lives of thousands of farmers in Central Visayas.

“With secure land tenure, freedom from debt, and access to vital support, our ARBs can now look forward to a more dignified and productive life,” Estrella said. “We will continue to distribute land titles across the country and are committed to completing the distribution of 400,000 land titles this year.”

The awarded documents confer legal ownership of agricultural lands and erase long-standing debts, thereby improving land tenure security, increasing farm productivity, and enhancing the livelihoods of ARBs and their families.

In Bohol, 159 ARBs received 239 land titles covering 215.65 hectares. Additionally, 1,741 farmers were granted 2,464 COCROMs, clearing P50.42 million in land-related debts across 2,092.60 hectares of land.

In Cebu, 326 ARBs were awarded 570 CLOAs and e-titles for 624.97 hectares. In a historic move, DAR also issued 3,858 COCROMs to 3,544 farmers, writing off P284.54 million in unpaid amortizations over 5,170.02 hectares.

As part of DAR’s support services, the agency also turned over a P1.5-million tractor to the Carmen Farmers Association Inc., and a P300,000 delivery vehicle to the Canlumampao Agrarian Reform Program Association, aiming to improve agricultural productivity and logistical capacity for ARB organizations (ARBOs).

This activity forms part of DAR’s continuing implementation of the Republic Act 11953 or the “New Agrarian Emancipation Act”, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in July 2023. The law condones the unpaid land amortizations and interests of ARBs and ensures they receive institutional support services to uplift their economic conditions.