Pili: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Bicol distributed a total of 6,960 land titles and Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgages (CoCRoMs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III led the distribution of 3,497 land titles to 2,697 ARBs, covering 5,929.36 hectares of agricultural land at the Fuerte Camsur Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur. Estrella stated that the initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to expedite the issuance of land titles before the end of his term. He noted that only 800,000 titles remain to be distributed and highlighted the completion of 300,000 titles this year.
Estrella also mentioned that claims currently in court will need to await judicial decisions. He assured Bicolano farmers of ongoing assistance and support services to enhance food production and security. The distributed titles included 1,286 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) and 2,211 electronic titles (e-titles) generated under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project.
Under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (R.A. 11953), 3,429 CoCRoMs were distributed, effectively condoning PHP 48.8 million in unpaid land amortizations and related debts of ARBs. Sonny Orias, a beneficiary from San Fernando, Camarines Sur, expressed relief and gratitude, stating that the condonation is a significant help for his daily livelihood.
Camarines Sur Gov. LRay Villafuerte expressed gratitude to President Marcos for the distribution of land titles, emphasizing that the land titles symbolize dignity, security, and a better future for Bicolano farmers. As part of the event, 34 Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) were issued Certificates of Registration (CORs), reflecting ongoing support for their development under the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program.
Additionally, seven units of farm machinery and equipment, valued at PHP7,908,000, were turned over to six ARBOs in Camarines Sur to further enhance their productivity and enterprise development.
