CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The Department of Agrarian (DAR) here has distributed more than 6,000 Certificates of Land Ownership (CLOAs) in Central Visayas under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
During the ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ program on June 25, DAR-7 regional director Leomides R. Villareal disclosed that DAR has distributed a total of 6,299 CLOAs from July 1, 2022 until June 21, 2024.
The CLOAs cover 4,981.6136 hectares of land, benefiting 4,091 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the region.
“Our mission is to uplift the lives of our farmers and rural communities through comprehensive and sustainable agrarian reform programs. One of our cornerstone initiatives is the land distribution program. This program aims to provide land to landless farmers, ensuring they have the resources needed to cultivate and sustain their livelihoods,” Villareal said.
Of the total land titles distributed in the region, 2,935 covering 2,138.9230 hectares of land are in Negros Oriental, 2,199 covering 1,807.9036 hectares of land are in Bohol, and 1,165 land titles covering 854.7870 hectares of land are in Cebu province.
Meanwhile, of the total ARBs who received their CLOAs, 1,964 are from Negros Oriental, 1,140 are from Cebu, and 987 are from Bohol.
Distribution of farm machinery, equipment
In 2023, DAR provided a total of 76 Farm Machinery and Equipment (FME) to 28 ARB organizations, benefiting 3,855 ARBs in the region.
In 2024, the agency also turned over 131 FMEs to 51 ARB organizations, benefiting 1,758 ARBs with a total project cost of P39.4 million.
This program helps lessen the financial burden on farmer-beneficiaries when buying equipment for their livelihood.
With this assistance, farmers can invest in better-quality inputs, helping them increase their productivity and income.
“DAR is committed to making a long-lasting impact through our programs in land distribution, farmer training, and rural infrastructure support,” said Villareal.
Villareal also called on the public to support their programs that aim to uplift the lives of Filipino farmers.
“I urge each one of you to support these initiatives, whether it’s spreading awareness, volunteering, or advocating for policies that benefit our farmers. Our involvement can make a significant difference. Let us join hands in creating a brighter future for our rural communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Melchor Dosdos, 59, from Cabungaan, Catmon, Cebu, thanked the government for the land title he received.
“Ako mapasalamaton sa atong Presidente Bonbongbong Marcos, ingon man ni DAR Secretray Condrado Estrella III, usa ako sa libreng nakadawat sa titulo sa yuta, og ang abot ani nga yuta gigamit natu pagpaeskwela sa akong mga anak, og karon kaluoy sa ginoo, nagmalampuson gyud sila,” said Dosdos.
(I am grateful to our President Bongbong Marcos as well as to DAR Secretary Condrado Estrella III. I was one of the beneficiaries who received the free land titles, and the proceeds of this land were used for the education of my children, and thankfully they are now all successful in life)” Dosdos said.
DAR-7 was the featured agency for the fifth episode of “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” a weekly program initiated by the Presidential Communication Office through the Philippine Information Agency.
The activity serves as a platform to enhance public understanding and engagement with the national government’s programs and projects through the different implementing government agencies.
Watch the full episode here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/8xUdqm18twMFkcWR/. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu)
