The Department of Agrarian Reform in Davao Region (DAR-11) has condoned PHP509.6 million in unpaid land amortizations, interests, and surcharges for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, an official said Thursday.
During the DAR Stakeholders’ Forum at the Tagum City Hall Atrium on June 3, more than 8,500 ARBs from Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental received 132 electronic land titles (e-Titles), 5,473 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoMs), and PHP4.1 million worth of farm machinery.
In a statement, DAR-11 Regional Director Joseph Orilla said the initiative aims to deliver responsive government services directly to farming communities to accelerate productivity and economic growth.
The 132 e-Titles were generated from 21 Collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CCLOAs) in Davao del Norte, covering 114 hectares and securing ownership for 2,882 ARBs.
“A total of 5,473 CoCRoMs covering 22,139.15 hectares across three provinces completely freed 8,548 ARBs from historical land debts so they can reinvest in their farms,” Orilla said.
The farm machinery turned over included a rice combine harvester, hand tractors, a three-wheel pickup vehicle, and a 38-horsepower tractor.
DAR Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan reaffirmed the agency’s commitment: “We are ready to serve, listen, and deliver services that will truly help our farmers.”
Beneficiaries shared how the debt relief transformed their lives.
Mark Joseph Motos of Davao de Oro said, “This is a great help to our cooperative and our families. Now, we can focus more on improving our farm because we no longer have debts to pay.”
Eduardo Gomez, 65, of Davao del Norte, expressed gratitude after his PHP92,641 land amortization debt was condoned.
“The debt condonation has lifted a heavy burden from my family and given us a fresh opportunity to rebuild our livelihood,” he said.
For Nolie Biol, 62, finally receiving an individual land title after 32 years strengthened his family’s sense of security.
“This document is more than a piece of paper —it symbolizes our future and our hard work as farmers,” he added. (PNA)
