Department of Agrarian Reform Gymnasium, Elliptical Road, Quezon City
August 27, 2019
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte remained committed in uplifting the welfare of the Filipino farmers as he renewed his administration’s pledge for an effective agrarian reform in the country.
Gracing the 31st anniversary celebration of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Quezon City, President Duterte stressed the need for the full implementation of the program which shall benefit thousands of farmers.
“As we highlight our accomplishments and milestones in implementing CARP, let us never lose sight of the primary aim of this program, which is to uphold the welfare of the landless farmers, promote social justice, welfare of our landless farmers, and attain sound rural development through the equitable distribution of all agricultural lands across the country,” he said.
Aside from being the guest of honor during the celebration, the President led the turnover and distribution of around 100,000 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Concepcion, Tarlac and Siniloan, Laguna, which according to him, is the ‘ultimate aspiration of every farmer to own the lands they till.’
“Now, with these titles in their hands, I am confident that every beneficiary will be inspired to improve and increase their production through sustainable farming methods,” he added.
The issue on agrarian reform has been going on for decades, but the Chief Executive assured the Filipino people that his administration shall pursue the full implementation of CARP, emphasizing the need to empower farmers for a more sustained and inclusive growth for the nation.
“Let me take this occasion to reaffirm the administration’s commitment to correct the historical distortion brought about by the misallocation of lands which had caused social injustice and the underperformance of the rural economy,” President Duterte added.
He also called on every Filipino farmer to continue working together to achieve growth and development for the agricultural sector through responsible farming.
“With the technology transfer, resource and facilities support, and capacity building programs that this administration will make available to our farmers, I am confident that we will see a stronger, a brighter future for agriculture in the Philippines,” the President said.
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