By Michelle Ducut
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region 5 (Bicol) will distribute a total of 3, 961 land titles and Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) to 3, 296 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) on Tuesday. The distribution will cover approximately 5, 397.37 hectares of agricultural land in the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Catanduanes.
The formal distribution ceremony will take place at the Legazpi City Convention Center. According to DAR-5 Regional Director Reuben Theodore Sindac, 2, 931 CoCRoM certificates will be given to 2, 654 ARBs, while 760 land titles will be awarded to 642 ARBs.
Sindac emphasized that this initiative underscores the current administration’s commitment to accelerating the distribution of land titles and improving the lives of farmer beneficiaries. This follows the enactment of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (Republic Act No. 11953), signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 7, 2023. The law provides condonation of principal loans, unpaid amortizations, and interest owed by agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Over PHP88.8 million has been allocated by the government for the condonation of debts owed by beneficiaries in the region.
From July 2022 to October 2024, a total of 8, 515 land titles have been awarded to 7, 938 ARBs in Bicol, covering 13, 230.90 hectares of agricultural land.