Some 2,756 land titles have been distributed to a total of 2,666 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Cotabato and South Cotabato, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

In a news release Tuesday, DAR said it awarded 2,103 land titles to 2,067 ARBs in South Cotabato, encompassing 2,551.16 hectares.

Some 653 titles were, in turn, distributed to 599 ARBs in Cotabato, covering 981.11 hectares.

DAR Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs Amihilda Sangcopan said distribution of land titles does not just signify legal recognition of ARBs’ land rights but is a significant step toward fulfilling their dreams.

“Through these titles, ARBs are empowered to make informed decisions about their land use, agricultural practices, and future investments, which would lead to improved livelihood and enhanced food security,” she said.

Under Sec. 25 of the Republic Act (RA) 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, ARBs “shall be awarded an area not exceeding three (3) hectares which may cover a contiguous tract of land or several parcels of land cumulated up to the prescribed award limits.”

Distribution of certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) to landless farmers is part of DAR’s efforts under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project.

Project SPLIT provides for the issuance of individual land titles from a previously awarded collective CLOAS, allowing famers to have full control and rights over their land.

Sangcopan pointed out that agrarian reform does not end in the distribution of land titles but is instead the beginning of securing land tenure and access to resources among ARBs.

Earlier, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III said they aim to distribute about 800,000 land titles to ARBs before the term of the Marcos administration ends.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the New Agrarian Emancipation Act in July 2023, which will condone the amortization of principal payments, interest, and penalties on land tilled by farmers. (PNA)