The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) aims to distribute 500,000 hectares of land under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in 2026, with an additional 200,000 hectares slated for distribution by 2027.

In an interview following the ceremonial distribution of electronic titles and Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) in Pototan, Iloilo on Monday afternoon, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said that they only have over 700,000 hectares left for distribution.

In 2024, DAR distributed 100,000 hectares, and in 2025, they covered 302,000 hectares, surpassing the 300,000-hectare target.

“Pipilitin namin na by 2027, lahat yan (700,000 hectares) tapos na (We will try that by 2027, all of that will be completed),” he said.

Estrella said that farmers owning the land they have been tilling will inspire them to plant more or raise livestock and farm animals, supporting the government’s food sufficiency program.

With established ownership, he said the beneficiaries will now have to pay real property tax, which will boost the revenue of local government units.

“Kung mas malaki ang revenue ng local government units, mas maraming mga basic services na mabibigay sa ating mga kababayan (Higher local government revenue means more basic services can be delivered to the people),” he said.

Meanwhile, Estrella said that in June this year, they will complete the distribution of CoCROMs.

“The Certificate of Condonation with Release of Mortgage, we can be sure already, as sure as I am standing here, this year, by June tapos lahat yan (it will be finished),” he said.

The condonation of unpaid amortizations covering principals, interests, penalties, and surcharges, is a priority program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

On Monday, DAR turned over 6,472 electronic titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling Project to 5,837 ARBs from Western Visayas, and 1,803 CoCRoM to 1,762 farmer-beneficiaries from Guimaras. (PNA)