South cotabato: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) advances closer to its nationwide target of distributing 300,000 hectares of farmland this year as it awarded land titles and debt relief to 29,382 farmers in Region 12 (Soccsksargen).

According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution, held on Thursday at the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center, covered a total of 63,454.50 hectares across the region. DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella emphasized that the initiative aligns with the President's directive to distribute approximately 300,000 hectares this year. "What we are doing here in Region 12 is part of that national effort-to ensure that farmers finally own the land they have long cultivated," he stated.

As part of the rollout, DAR distributed 28,633 land titles, including e-titles, and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs). Furthermore, Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoMs) amounting to PHP832.29 million were issued, liberating farmers from long-standing amortizations.

Maria Lina Raposa of South Cotabato, a beneficiary of the program, expressed her gratitude: 'Matagal naming hinintay na matupad ang pangarap na ito. Aalagaan ko ang lupang ito at sisikaping mapanatili upang maipamana sa susunod na henerasyon (We have waited a long time for this dream to come true. I will take care of this land and try to preserve it so that it can be passed on to the next generation).'

Hilario Castillo, another agrarian reform beneficiary from Sultan Kudarat, shared his relief: 'Pagkatapos ng 25 taon ng paghihintay, ngayon ay sigurado na kami na ang lupang aming sinasaka ay tunay nang amin. Nagbibigay ito sa amin ng kapanatagan at pag-asa para sa hinaharap (After 25 years of waiting, we are now certain that the land we farm is truly ours. This gives us security and hope for the future).'

Estrella highlighted that the Region 12 distribution is part of the nationwide effort to fulfill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive on agrarian reform. "When farmers are freed from uncertainty and debt, they gain the confidence to invest, to produce more, and to contribute meaningfully to our economy. Empowering farmers is nation-building at its core," he remarked.