The Department of Agrarian Reform in Caraga (DAR-13) awarded certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) to 5,898 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across the region in 2024, covering a total of 10,073.672 hectares of farmland.

In an interview Monday, DAR-13 Regional Director Merlinda Capinpuyan highlighted the key land title distribution events last year, including one on Feb. 16, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III. Two additional distribution ceremonies were held on Nov. 12 and Nov. 23.

Of the total CLOA recipients, 5,487 received e-titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT); 386 were covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP); and 25 received land titles under Executive Order No. 75, which mandates the distribution of government-owned agricultural land to qualified beneficiaries.

The majority of beneficiaries were from Agusan del Sur (2,563), followed by Surigao del Sur (1,914), Agusan del Norte (734), Surigao del Norte (670), and Dinagat Islands (17).

DAR-13 Assistant Regional Director for Administration Joey Ceballos reported that PHP469.8 million in loans owed by 10,509 ARBs were condoned last year under Republic Act No. 11953. A total of 13,169 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) were issued.

“Of the approved COCROMs, 9,239 certificates were distributed to 7,606 ARBs last year, amounting to PHP299.9 million,” Ceballos said Monday, adding that the remaining certificates will be distributed this year.

The New Agrarian Emancipation Act or Republic Act 11953 cancels unpaid amortizations, including interest and penalties, and exempts ARBs from estate tax payments on agricultural lands awarded under CARP. (PNA)