MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) — Department of Agrarian Reform—Northern Mindanao Regional Director Zoraida Macadindang reported during the June 25 Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas that the ongoing Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project, funded by the World Bank, is transforming land ownership in Bukidnon.
She said this project subdivides the Collective Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CCLOAs) into individual land titles, benefiting over 31,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province.
“The SPLIT Project targets 56,518 hectares in Bukidnon, currently held under collective CLOAs, to be divided into individual titles. It will provide ARBs with secure land ownership and allow them to invest more confidently in their land to improve agricultural productivity and economic stability. Additionally, individual titles make it easier for ARBs to access credit, government support, and technical assistance, further enhancing their capacity to develop their land and improve their livelihoods,” Macadindang explained.
Data from May of this year showed that 29,885 ARBs benefited from the subdivision of 4,364 CCLOAs in Bukidnon, which covered over 39,777 hectares. In terms of land area, it represents a 70.38 percent achievement rate.
However, there are some challenges in the implementation process.
“In Bukidnon, we have encountered some cases involving minor issues with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, or NCIP. These issues primarily revolve around the delineation of ancestral domains and ensuring respect for the rights of indigenous communities during the parcelization process. As a result, we have not included these cases in our current priorities. But nothing will stop us from finding solutions. We will address them once we establish a mutually agreed-upon joint administrative order to resolve these concerns effectively,” the regional director added.
Moreover, in order to meet the World Bank’s environmental and social standards, she cited the draft safeguard instruments the DAR has released for public review and comment.
These safeguards include measures to ensure that land parcelization does not negatively impact biodiversity, water resources, or the livelihoods of affected communities.
These instruments prioritize minimizing deforestation, protecting indigenous rights, preventing forced relocations, and promoting sustainable land management for the SPLIT project.
The DAR seeks public participation in reviewing these safeguards to ensure they are comprehensive and will address the needs of all stakeholders, minimizing environmental and social disruptions while maximizing SPLIT’s positive outcomes, Macadindang said.
Reflecting on the impact of the SPLIT project, agrarian reform beneficiary Anastacio Catli shared his bright outlook. He mentioned that many farmers in Bukidnon have been waiting for their land titles, with some waiting for decades.
“Dako akong pasalamat sa gobyerno sa paghatag sa akong dugay nang gipaabot nga titulo sa yuta, human sa 15 ka tuig. Usa kini ka damgo nga natuman alang kanako ug sa akong pamilya,” Catli said.
(I am deeply grateful to the government for finally granting me my long-awaited land title after 15 years. It is a dream come true for me and my family.)
Responding to public needs, DAR pledges to continue its mission of leading comprehensive agrarian reform through improved land tenure and coordinated support for beneficiaries. (RLRB/PIA 10-Bukidnon)
