The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) condoned the unpaid land amortizations totaling PHP7.307 billion of 31,370 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in northern Negros Occidental as part of the continued massive implementation of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act in Negros Island Region.
Undersecretary for Special Concerns Office and External Affairs Rowena Niña Taduran, joined by Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. and Negros Occidental Second District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, led the distribution of 42,654 certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (COCROMs) to the ARBs in a ceremony held at Cadiz City Arena on Wednesday afternoon.
“Hindi lamang isang seremonya ng pamamahagi ng mga dokumento ang araw na ito, ito ay isang pong pagdiriwang ng pag-asa, pagkilala sa inyong sakripisyo at pagpapatunay na ang matagal ninyong ipinaglaban ay unti-unti na pong nagiging ganap na katotohanan. (This day is not just a ceremony to distribute documents; it is a celebration of hope, a recognition of your sacrifices, and a testament to the fact that what you have long fought for is gradually becoming a reality),” Taduran said in her keynote message.
The New Agrarian Emancipation Act, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. three years ago, 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 law provides that the national government will assume 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.”
During the ceremony, 429 ARBs were also granted 797 land titles, comprising 519 certificates of land ownership award for 361 ARBs and 278 electronic titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling Project for 68 ARBs.
“Ang mga ito ay hindi lamang po mga piraso ng papel. Ang mga ito po ay simbolo ng dignidad, kalayaan at panibagong simula. (These are not merely pieces of paper. These are symbols of dignity, freedom, and a fresh start),” Taduran said.
Some 227 members of ARB organizations received support services, including four sets of farm machinery and equipment amounting to PHP2.035 million, to strengthen their capacity for farm operations.
The ARBs covered by DAR Negros Occidental I-North who came to receive certificates, land titles, and support services were mainly from the cities of Cadiz, Sagay, Silay, Escalante, San Carlos, and Talisay, as well as the municipalities of Toboso, E.B. Magalona, Murcia, and Calatrava.
In April this year, the DAR also distributed 18,486 COCROMs to condone PHP1.792 billion worth of debts of 10,061 ARBs across Negros Occidental. (PNA)
