Fernan Carigma

To alleviate the debts of farmers and enhance their economic security, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. distributed Electronic Titles (E-titles) and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to 1,932 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Western Visayas, on September 19.

Photo Courtesy of DAR/Palawan News.

Around 2,643.5 hectares of agricultural land would be distributed to ARBs  across Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Guimaras. 

E-titles were awarded to 1,725 while CLOAs were granted to 207 out of 1,932 ARBs who gathered during the distribution of E-titles and CLOAs at Passi City, Iloilo.

In Marcos’ speech during the allocation of E-titles and CLOAs, he reiterated that the government is aware of all the inadequacies the ARBs are encountering in acquiring the lands they are cultivating.

“Pero ito ang pangako namin – hindi namin kayo pababayaan. Lahat ng ito ay bahagi ng mas malaking layunin na tiyakin na walang magsasakang maiiwan,” Marcos told the ARBs.

On the same day, ARBs celebrated the success of every beneficiary to own their land and not just an occupier, Marcos added.

“Ang bawat titulo ay nagbibigay ng kalayaan sa ating mga magsasaka. Kalayaan mula sa mga pagkakautang, kalayaan [na] magkaroon ng tiyak na kinabukasan para sa kanilang pamilya, at kalayaan na makapagplano para mas maunlad ang inyong mga bukas,” Marcos pointed out.

The Chief Executive emphasized that the government will continue to support them through land distribution and other agricultural initiatives, such as providing farm inputs, equipment, and market access.

In line with Marcos’ commitment to advancing agrarian reform, the distribution of agricultural lands was highlighted by the recent signing of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. 

“Narito po tayo upang tulungan kayong mapalago ang sektor ng agrikultura. Namahagi po tayo ng mga E-Titles at saka Certificate of Land Ownership Award o ‘yung tinatawag nga na CLOA,” Marcos added.

The agricultural lands that have been distributed will allow the farmers to be debt-free, and expected to improve their living conditions.