By Matthew Go
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has relieved over 5,200 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Iloilo and Guimaras from debts totaling PHP314.66 million. Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) were distributed in a ceremony held on Saturday at the Iloilo Sports Complex.
DAR Undersecretary Jesry Palmares led the event, during which 7,039 CoCRoMs were distributed, covering 5,465.12 hectares of land. Palmares highlighted the importance of these certificates as proof of land ownership, ensuring that the land can be passed on to future generations.
Additionally, 479 land titles for 473.97 hectares were granted to 351 ARBs under the Newlands project. Another 1,100 electronic titles, covering 879.98 hectares, were distributed to 710 ARBs under the Support to Parcelization of Lands to Individual Titling (SPLIT) project.
Barotac Nuevo farmer Pura Barquila expressed gratitude, stating that the debt condonation would enable them to focus resources on cultivating their land rather than paying off amortizations.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. emphasized the importance of ARBs as key contributors to agriculture and the economy. He noted that government support for agriculture would be directed through agrarian reform communities, which also play a role in barangay-based agro-tourism initiatives.