DAR launches nationwide rollout of new rules under SPLIT Project

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has gathered over 300 stakeholders from across Luzon for a three-day cascading of the DAR Administrative Order (A.O.) No. 2, Series of 2024—the revised rules and procedures for land parcelization under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project.

Held from October 12 to 14, the activity aimed to ensure that all stakeholders—including DAR officials, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), civil society groups, and representatives of Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs)—are fully informed and aligned with the updated processes for converting collective land titles into individual land titles.

Under the said A.O., the DAR simplifies and clarifies the procedures for subdividing collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CCLOAs) into individual land titles. This ensures clear ownership and stronger legal protection for ARBs.

The order also introduces environmental and social safeguards, defines key terms such as “Actual Occupants” and “Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries,” and details the steps in the parcelization process.

The SPLIT Project is one of DAR’s major initiatives to provide farmers with individual titles as proof of ownership. This empowers them to make their own land-use decisions, access credit and financing, and contribute to local revenues through land taxes—supporting the vision of “Sariling Lupa Para sa Bagong Bukas na Masagana.”

The cascading activity in Luzon was led by DAR Assistant Secretary for the Field Operations Office and National Project Director for SPLIT, Atty. Marjorie Ayson, together with DARAB Board Member and concurrent Deputy National Director for Legal Assistance, Atty. McDonald Galit, Bureau of Land Tenure Improvement (BLTI) Director Lilibeth Lee, Bureau of Agrarian Legal Assistance (BALA) Director Coordinator Atty. Eugene Follante, DARAB Secretariat Executive Director Atty. Roland Manalaysay, Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs Atty. Facundo O. Palafox, and BLTI Assistant Director Atty. Maria Christine Evangelista.

Similar cascading sessions were earlier held in Mindanao (August 27–29) and Visayas (September 9–11) to ensure the uniform implementation of the order nationwide.

“This Administrative Order is not just a set of procedural guidelines—it is a renewed commitment to our farmers’ right to own, cultivate, and prosper from their own land,” said Atty. McDonald M. Galit, DAR Adjudication Board Member and concurrent Deputy National Director for Legal Assistance. “By clarifying land ownership, we strengthen their security of tenure and uphold the very spirit of agrarian justice,” the DAR official said.

Through this initiative, the DAR continues to uphold its mission of empowering farmers with secure land ownership, ensuring that every ARB enjoys the full benefits of the land awarded to them.