Manila: Weeks before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has showcased its strides in agrarian emancipation and rural development, aligning with the Bagong Pilipinas vision. DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III detailed the agency's efforts during a recent land title distribution event in Mandaue City, expressing confidence in distributing 400,000 land titles by 2025 to enhance food security and alleviate debt burdens on families.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos' signing of Republic Act 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (NAEA), in July 2023, marked a significant milestone in liberating over 610,000 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from PHP57.5 billion in unpaid land amortizations. The act benefits 1.17 million hectares of farmland, and DAR is actively issuing land titles and canceling ARB land debts to support this initiative.
This July, DAR distributed 239 land titles covering 215.65 hectares to 159 ARBs in Bohol and granted 2,464 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) to 1,741 ARBs, eliminating PHP50.42 million in unpaid amortizations. In Cebu, 326 ARBs received 570 Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) and e-titles for 624.97 hectares, while 3,858 COCROMs erased PHP284.54 million in debts for 5,170.02 hectares. The Negros Island Region saw the issuance of 19,244 COCROMs, condoning PHP1.83 billion in ARB land debts for 8,860.15 hectares.
The DAR is also advancing its Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project to convert collective CLOAs into individual titles, ensuring clear ownership. In Bohol, DAR validated three landholdings covering 104.6267 hectares, with another 343 landholdings lined up for validation this year. Estrella emphasized that individual titles empower ARBs with secure land rights and the ability to invest and improve their livelihoods.
Complementing land tenure initiatives, DAR has enhanced support services to boost farm productivity. In Isabela, PHP50 million was allocated for farm-to-market roads, and a PHP20-million Solar-Powered Irrigation System was installed in Tumauini town. In Abra, PHP3.6 million worth of farm machinery and tools were distributed to agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations. Additionally, PHP500 million worth of farm-to-market roads were introduced in Polangui, Albay, alongside livelihood and skills training for farmers in Zamboanga del Norte.
As of May 2025, DAR has distributed 203,765 land titles covering 248,022 hectares, benefiting nearly 198,200 ARBs. The department remains optimistic about reaching its target of 400,000 titles by the end of 2025, with ongoing efforts in debt condonation, individual titling, infrastructure, and training. Estrella reaffirmed DAR's commitment to leaving no farmer behind under the Bagong Pilipinas framework, providing the means for Filipino farmers to lead dignified lives.
