Bago city: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is set to issue certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (COCROMs) to 13,822 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and distribute 7,798 land titles to 4,788 ARBs in the Negros Island Region (NIR) on Thursday. This significant event will take place at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center in Bago City, Negros Occidental, under the leadership of Secretary Conrado Estrella III.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative underscores the DAR's commitment to delivering land justice, modernizing farm operations, and building resilient agrarian communities throughout the region. Secretary Estrella emphasized the importance of supporting ARBs and providing essential relief packages to employees, aiding their recovery and stability following recent calamities.
The release of COCROMs will liberate ARBs in Negros Oriental from PHP1.79 billion in longstanding unpaid land debts. This is made possible by Republic Act 11953, known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which absolves all outstanding loans, including accrued interests, penalties, and surcharges, incurred by ARBs for lands awarded to them.
Of the land titles covering 5,524 hectares, 2,356 titles with 1,058.85 hectares will be allocated to 1,203 ARBs in Negros Occidental I-North; 2,461 titles with 1,849.87 hectares to 1,573 ARBs in Negros Occidental II-South; and 2,981 titles with 2,615.68 hectares to 2,012 ARBs in Negros Oriental.
Additionally, 71 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations, comprising nearly 4,200 ARBs, will receive PHP67.6 million worth of farm machinery, equipment, and agricultural inputs. This support aims to reduce production costs, enhance field operations, and stabilize yields. The allocation includes PHP56.128 million for farm machinery and equipment, and PHP11.475 million for farm inputs, featuring HP tractors, cargo trucks, solar-powered irrigation pumps, mini-tractors, and 13,500 packs of organic fertilizer.
Moreover, DAR will provide PHP6 million in relief assistance to 5,913 individuals, including 5,675 ARBs and 238 DAR personnel, who were affected by the devastation caused by Typhoons Tino and Uwan.
