MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) — The Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) Land Tenure Security Program (LTSP) has helped 29,885 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Bukidnon.
Zoraida Macadindang, DAR regional director for northern Mindanao, reported the agency’s implementation of agricultural land reforms from 2022 to May 2024 during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum on June 25.
She clarified that the LTSP redistributes government and private agricultural lands to farmers and farm workers, ensuring their tenure, promoting social equity, and providing resources.
“One of our flagship initiatives is the SPLIT project, funded by the World Bank. It aims to divide 56,518 hectares in Bukidnon into individual titles under Collective Certificates of Land Ownership Awards, or CCLOAs. Providing farmers with individual land titles instead of collective ones enhances investment and productivity through improved access to credit, technical assistance, and government support,” Macadindang said.
In May this year, DAR records showed 29,885 ARBs had benefited from subdividing 4,364 CCLOAs, spanning over 39,777 hectares. It indicates a 70.38 percent area achievement rate.
Ensuring timely title distribution
Lawyer Noel Carreon, DAR-10 regional agrarian reform adjudicator, said DAR Bukidnon prioritizes addressing backlogs in agrarian reform cases by ensuring prompt distribution of land titles to all qualified beneficiaries.
He said this proactive stance aims to prevent delays that could otherwise impede the economic advancement of ARBs.
“Ensuring timely distribution enables beneficiaries to capitalize on their land ownership, facilitating their participation in economic activities and building sustainable development in the province,” Carreon said.
Public consultation and feedback are also integral to DAR’s approach to land tenure security. The department engages ARBs and other stakeholders in reviewing draft safeguard instruments designed to meet environmental and social standards set by the World Bank. These safeguards ensure that land parcelization processes do not negatively impact biodiversity, water resources, and livelihoods. By involving the public, DAR ensures that safeguards are comprehensive and aligned with the needs of all stakeholders, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives.
Collaboration with Indigenous communities
Respecting the rights of indigenous communities is a priority for DAR Bukidnon, which collaborates closely with the National Commission on Indigenous People to ensure an inclusive approach to land reform and resolve issues related to ancestral domain delineation.
Support services for ARBs
Beyond securing land tenure, DAR promotes support services to maximize ARBs’ land productivity, including training on modern agricultural techniques, access to credit facilities, and various government assistance programs. DAR enhances farmers’ farming techniques by equipping them with essential tools and knowledge, resulting in improved farm practices and overall quality of life.
To ensure program effectiveness, DAR Bukidnon conducts regular monitoring and evaluations. This ongoing assessment evaluates the impact of initiatives on land tenure security and the socio-economic well-being of ARBs, enabling necessary adjustments to meet beneficiaries’ needs.
DAR’s holistic approach to land tenure security highlights its commitment to providing legal land ownership security, promoting sustainable development, and improving farmers’ quality of life.
Ronnie Balagos, an agrarian reform beneficiary, thanked the government for pushing the LTSP in Bukidnon.
“Among nasaksihan ang dedikasyon sa DAR sa pagsiguro sa among katungod sa yuta taliwala sa mga risgo. Ang determinasyon sa DAR bisan pa man sa pagsukol sa mga tag-iya sa yuta ug sa mga iligal nga nag-okupar sa mga yuta nga sakop sa CLOA nakapadasig kanamo. Salamat sa pag-champion sa among kawsa. Nagpasalamat mi sa inyong suporta,” Balagos said.
(We have witnessed the government’s commitment to securing our land rights despite the risks. DAR’s steadfast resolve in the face of resistance from landowners and those illegally occupying lands covered by CLOAs has been inspiring. Thank you for championing our cause. It has transformed our lives. We are deeply grateful for your support.)
DAR continues to transform the agricultural landscape and empower farmers in Bukidnon through initiatives like SPLIT, backlog resolution, active public engagement, collaboration with indigenous communities, comprehensive support services, and rigorous monitoring. (RLRB/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
