A total of 4,498 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Negros Island Region (NIR) were among the latest to avail of debt condonation from the national government, a report from the regional Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-NIR) said Monday.

The distribution of 7,462 certificates of condonation with release of mortgage amounting to PHP716.655 million was part of the nationwide distribution activity dubbed “Sabayang Handog sa Bayan para sa Kaarawan ni PBBM!” in celebration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 68th birthday on Sept. 13 at the Don Bernardo Benedicto Community Center in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

The condoned unpaid amortizations covered 3,464.0082 hectares of agricultural lands.

In a statement, DAR-NIR Regional Director Lucrecia Taberna said the condonation of more than PHP716 million agrarian debts reaffirms the commitment of the DAR to provide not only land, but also lasting support, security, and services in partnership with other government agencies.

“DAR-NIR is with you, in the mandate of our Secretary Conrado Estrella III to bring our services closer to the ARBs as well as to all ARB organizations,” she added. “This is the enduring legacy of agrarian reform in the NIR: free land, stronger livelihoods, and empowered farming communities.”

Estrella also led the distribution of certificates of condonation to 11,179 ARBs in NIR, who owed PHP1.834 billion in loans, debts, and interest in Bago City last July.

The New Agrarian Emancipation Act condones all loans, including interests, penalties, and surcharges, incurred by ARBs from lands awarded to them under Presidential Decree 27, Republic Act 6657, and Republic Act 9700.

The national government assumes payment of unpaid compensation to the Land Bank of the Philippines, and the certificate granted to the farmer-beneficiary “shall automatically authorize the immediate and full release and discharge of any mortgage lien or encumbrance arising from agrarian debt.” (PNA)