Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged the Filipino youth to pursue agriculture-related studies and training programs, emphasizing the government's commitment to support farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries through continuous land title distributions.

According to Philippines News Agency, during his fourth State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa, President Marcos reassured the nation that prioritizing the farming sector, including land distribution and loan forgiveness, remains a key focus of his administration. He highlighted the opportunities available for young Filipinos in agriculture, encouraging them to sustain the sector's vitality.

President Marcos stated that various agriculture-related courses, programs, and scholarships are accessible for the youth, enabling them to potentially pursue agriculture as a profession and continue the dignified livelihood of their parents. He further assured future farmers that the land they work on will eventually belong to them.

The President also noted that the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is expediting the distribution of Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs), e-titles, and Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries, as part of efforts to enhance food security by empowering farmers.

He elaborated that CLOAs, e-titles, and COCROMs signify that the beneficiaries are free from debt. The DAR has set a goal to distribute 400,000 land titles by the end of 2025, with over 203,000 titles covering 248,000 hectares already distributed to benefit nearly 198,200 agrarian reform beneficiaries as of May this year.

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III credited the strong support from President Marcos for enabling the achievement of land reform targets. According to Executive Order 75, series of 2019, and DAR Administrative Order 03, series of 2020, qualified agriculture graduates can be awarded agricultural lands, with a possibility of securing up to three hectares.