Department of Agrarian Reform, Diliman, Quezon City
September 12, 2024

“Masaya kong ibinabalita na sa araw na ito ay ibibigay natin ang mahigit isang libo at isang daang sertipiko sa isang libong benepisyaryo mula sa iba’t ibang bayan ng Bulacan. Ito ay katumbas ng higit dalawang daan at pitumpung milyong pisong halaga ng utang ng mga magsasaka na ating napawalang bisa,” announced President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. before the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

The President made this statement as he led the distribution of Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) to 1,000 ARBs from several municipalities in Bulacan, and the awarding of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to 287 ARBs from Nasugbu, Batangas in a program held at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Gymnasium in Diliman, Quezon City.

“Bahagi ito ng ating pagpapatupad ng New Agrarian Emancipation Act na naglalayong pagaanin ang inyong buhay at maibsan ang inyong paghihirap dahil sa amortisasyon, sa interes, at iba pang surcharges na halos naging kakambal na ng lupang sakahan sa loob ng maraming taon,” he said, reiterating his Administration’s commitment to alleviating the burdens of farmers and bolstering the country’s agricultural sector.

“Bagama’t ang COCROM at CLOA ay maituturing na biyaya, huwag sana nating kalimutan na ito ay may kaakibat na responsibilidad – ang alagaan at palaguin ang ating mga sakahan at hanapbuhay,” he added.

The Chief Executive also took a moment to honor DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III who is celebrating his birthday today. “Lalo pang napatunayan ni Sec. Conrad ang pagmamahal niya sa mga magsasaka dahil sa halip na mag-birthday leave, nandito po siya para makasama tayong lahat,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, President Marcos Jr. set an ambitious goal for the Administration, aiming to complete the agrarian reform program by 2028 to ensure that beneficiaries can fully utilize their lands. He shared that over 136,000 land titles have already been distributed nationwide, with an additional 101,000 titles ready for distribution by the end of the year.

“Alam ko sa mga nakaraang taon, marami kayong naisakripisyo sa ngalan ng pag-unlad at pagginhawa. Kaya hinahangad ko, ng Administrasyong ito, na ang inyong naipon na sana ay ipambabayad sa lupa ay inyo ngayon magagamit para sa ibang bagay na makatutulong sa inyong mga kinabukasan,” he reiterated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and fulfilling the dreams of farmers.

“Magsilbi nawang hudyat ang araw na ito para sa inyong unang hakbang tungo sa kasaganahan. Sabay-sabay tayong maglalakbay tungo sa inaasam nating mas payapa at mas masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” he said in concluding his message.

Before meeting with the ARBs, President Marcos Jr. toured the ‘Galing ARBO, Galing DAR’ exhibit showcasing agricultural produce and entrepreneurial products from ARBs and ARB cooperatives across 15 regions of the country.

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