Isabela: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has extended significant financial relief to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in southern Negros Occidental. On Thursday, DAR announced the cancellation of debts totaling PHP6.65 billion for 44,643 ARBs and provided PHP95.5 million in support services to multiple ARB organizations in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative is part of DAR-Negros Island Region's (NIR) three-day distribution series named 'Padayon,' following a similar event in northern Negros Occidental in Cadiz City. The ceremony, held at the Isabela Municipal Gymnasium, saw Undersecretary for Special Concerns Office and External Affairs Rowena Ni±a Taduran and DAR-NIR Director Lucrecia Taberna distribute 56,993 certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (COCROMs) to the ARBs.
Undersecretary Taduran emphasized to the farmer-beneficiaries that their debts have been completely erased, urging them to fully utilize the land titles they have received. She stressed that the debt cancellation, amounting to PHP6.6 billion, places a significant responsibility on the beneficiaries to manage and cultivate their lands diligently and wisely.
The New Agrarian Emancipation Act facilitates the condonation of all loans, including interests, penalties, and surcharges, that ARBs incurred from awarded lands. The act mandates the national government to cover the unpaid compensation to the Land Bank of the Philippines.
During the event, a total of 489 land titles were distributed. These included 258 certificates of land ownership awards covering 251.96 hectares for 159 ARBs under newly awarded lands, and 231 electronic titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling Project, spanning 164.01 hectares for 105 ARBs.
Additionally, DAR-NIR provided essential support services valued at PHP95.5 million to various ARBOs. These services included farm machinery and equipment, farm-to-market roads, and communal irrigation systems aimed at enhancing productivity and community livelihoods. Notable projects include a PHP24.87 million farm-to-market road in Barangay Cabacungan, La Castellana, a PHP25 million communal irrigation system in Barangay Alim, Hinoba-an, and a PHP41.79 million farm-to-market road in Ilog.
The event was attended by several local officials, including Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo, Ilog Mayor John Paul Alvarez, 5th District Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo, and 6th District Representative Mercedes Alvarez.
