Manoc Manoc Covered Court, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
November 8, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, accompanied by Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John Castriciones, led the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) at the Manoc Manoc Covered Court of Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.

“To the agrarian reform beneficiaries from the municipalities of Buruanga, Tangalan and Malay here in Aklan, I extend my warmest greetings to all of you as you become full-fledged owners of the lands that you have been tilling for the longest time. Inyo na ‘yan,” President Duterte said.

A total of 623 CLOAs covering at least 274 hectares of land in Boracay Island and in the province of Aklan were given to the representatives of 484 ARBs. Six (6) out of the total CLOAs were issued to 45 members of the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization.

“It thus brings me great joy that our strong resolve to prioritize the Indigenous People of Aklan, especially here in Boracay Island, by transferring ownership of these remaining agricultural lands, is now becoming a reality,” the President added.

Meanwhile, the remaining CLOAs were issued to the farmers who were represented by three farmer leaders namely, Milagros Perucho of Barangay Labulihan in Malay, Victoria Salibio of Barangay Nazareth in Buruanga, and Rodolfo Tala-oc of Barangay Tagas in Tangalan, Aklan.

“Today, we acknowledge our farmers’ important role in nation-building as you work tirelessly to ensure food security across the country. I assure you that this administration will continue to protect and uphold your right to own, control, secure, cultivate, enhance and reap the benefits [from] the agricultural lands you till,” the Chief Executive vowed.

In his speech, President Duterte assured the ARBs that they would have greater access to support services from the government so that they may have the capacity to become more productive members of the communities in Aklan.

“Together, let us sustain our collective efforts in fostering social equity, peace and development so we may improve the quality of life of our people. With your help, I am confident that we can build the foundation of a brighter and more progressive future of our nation,” he said.

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