A total of 260 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) received hope for a better life as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) awarded them Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) on June 24 amidst the crisis due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
DAR Secretary John Castriciones who led the CLOA distribution said the issuance of titles, covering 394 hectares, located in barangays Tarum, Ibid and Cuyapi, Libmanan, manifest the government’s recognition of the role of farmers as the “new heroes” of the country.
“The agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are the new heroes during this time of pandemic. Without them, there can be no food on our tables. And since no vaccine has been discovered yet against the Covid-19 virus, our farmers and ARBs literally became our savior,” Castriciones said.
During the event, Castriciones and Support Services Office Undersecretary Emily Padilla also led the distribution of farm inputs to more than 300 beneficiaries, consisting of seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides and farm tools.
“You need to enrich the land that was awarded to you by the government. These lands were given to you not just for the benefit of your family. Every square meter of that land were provided to you so you could earn from it and uplift your lives. And if you do well, your families will prosper, and eventually, families who become successful, could help the country to become prosperous also,” Padilla said.
The event was graced by officials of the province led by Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte who signified his support to his constituents by assuring them that he would implement programs and activities to make their lives better.
“We are your allies in helping you move forward to a better life. I will be closely working with the DAR to provide them with assistance to help you achieve this goal,” Villafuerte said.
Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Greco Belgica reminded the farmers of the importance of finally owning the land they till.
“Please do not sell the lands awarded to you by DAR. It is a legacy that your family will live on through the years. The money will run out, but your land will forever be yours,” Belgica said. (PNA)
