Cagayan de oro: Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella on Wednesday urged Northern Mindanao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) not to sell the lands awarded to them. Leading the distribution of certificates and titles in the city, Estrella told ARBs that the lands they received must be passed on to their next generation heirs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Estrella emphasized that the lands given to the ARBs are free from any encumbrances and have been provided to farmers at no cost. He highlighted the significance of Republic Act 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which absolved the remaining debts of the ARBs, thus allowing them full ownership of the lands they cultivate.

In the Northern Mindanao Region, a total of 5,788 ARBs benefited from the distribution of Emancipation Patents, Certificates of Land Ownership Award, electronic titles, and Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (CoCRoMs) during a stakeholders' forum organized by DAR. This distribution encompassed a total of 6,235.23 hectares of agricultural land.

Additionally, 1,026 ARBs were relieved from PHP61.26 million in unpaid land amortizations through the issuance of CoCRoMs, covering 1,446.07 hectares. Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque remarked during the event that the distribution has alleviated ARBs' worries about potential land confiscation due to unpaid farmland mortgages.