Cadiz city: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has announced the condonation of unpaid land amortizations amounting to PHP7.307 billion for 31,370 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in northern Negros Occidental. This move is part of the ongoing implementation of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act within the Negros Island Region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Undersecretary for Special Concerns Office and External Affairs Rowena Ni±a Taduran, accompanied by Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. and Negros Occidental Second District Representative Alfredo Mara±on III, spearheaded the distribution of 42,654 certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (COCROMs) to the ARBs. The distribution ceremony took place at the Cadiz City Arena on Wednesday afternoon.
The New Agrarian Emancipation Act, enacted three years ago by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., cancels all loans, including interests, penalties, and surcharges, incurred by ARBs from lands awarded under Presidential Decree 27, Republic Act 6657, and Republic Act 9700. Under this law, the national government assumes responsibility for the unpaid compensation to the Land Bank of the Philippines, facilitating the immediate release and discharge of any mortgage lien or encumbrance due to agrarian debt.
During the event, 429 ARBs were also granted 797 land titles, which included 519 certificates of land ownership award for 361 ARBs and 278 electronic titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling Project for 68 ARBs. These documents symbolize dignity, freedom, and a new beginning for the beneficiaries, as highlighted by Taduran.
Additionally, 227 members of ARB organizations received farm machinery and equipment valued at PHP2.035 million to enhance their farming operations. The beneficiaries, who are under the jurisdiction of DAR Negros Occidental I-North, come from the cities of Cadiz, Sagay, Silay, Escalante, San Carlos, and Talisay, as well as from the municipalities of Toboso, E.B. Magalona, Murcia, and Calatrava.
Earlier in April, DAR also distributed 18,486 COCROMs to condone PHP1.792 billion worth of debts for 10,061 ARBs across Negros Occidental, further demonstrating the agency's commitment to agrarian reform and farmer support.
