Lamberto L. Macias Sports and Cultural Centre, Dumaguete City
May 20, 2024
In a significant move to uplift the lives of Filipino farmers, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally distributed land titles and agricultural support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from various provinces in the Central Visayas Region, with the event simultaneously held in Cebu and Bohol to extend the reach and impact of the initiative.
Speaking before the ARBs from Negros Oriental, the President emphasized the importance of directly delivering aid and support to farmers in far-flung areas of the archipelago. “Ang pagpunta po natin dito sa Dumaguete ay bahagi lamang ng pambansang lakbay-tulong na ating ginagawa upang direktang maipa-abot ang ayuda at suporta sa buong kapuluan,” he said.
During his visit, the President distributed 3,855 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) and land titles, covering nearly 2,867 hectares of land in Region 7. This distribution marks a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to empower farmers by granting them ownership of the land they have long cultivated.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to agrarian reform, President Marcos Jr. noted the passing of Republic Act No. 11953, also known as the ‘New Agrarian Emancipation Act,’ which aims to free beneficiaries from the burden of debt and allow them to focus on farming. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has already distributed over 4,614 hectares of land in Region 7 this year alone, contributing to a nationwide total of over 15,163 hectares distributed to more than 9,549 ARBs, surpassing 65% of the annual target.
“Ito ay patunay ng ating patuloy at walang humpay na pagsisikap na tuparin ang aming pangako na kukumpletuhin namin ang repormang agraryo sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas,” the President said as he reflected on the significance of this monumental land reform program — an initiative first launched during the presidency of his father, Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., and spearheaded by then Secretary of Agrarian Reform Conrado Estrella Sr., which has reached a significant milestone under the current Administration.
“Unang ginawa ng administrasyong Marcos, kaya‘t siguro naman ay sabi ko karapat-dapat lang na ito ay dapat tapusin sa pangalawang administrasyong na Marcos,” he vowed.
The Chief Executive also announced plans for more farm-to-market roads worth nearly PhP3 billion in Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Negros Oriental. These projects are expected to expand market reach for farmers, leading to increased income and enhanced community development.
Reiterating his commitment to effective governance, the President highlighted his frequent out-of-town visits to directly engage with local communities, assess project statuses, and gather firsthand information about the needs and conditions of various regions, underscoring the importance of personal interaction with the citizens.
As he concluded his speech, President Marcos Jr. assured the farmers of continued government support and urged them to remain steadfast in their efforts. “Bilang Pangulo, tinitiyak ko sa inyo na ang inyong gobyerno ay laging handa na magbigay sa inyo ng suportang kailangan ninyo. Kaya magkaisa tayo sa ating layunin para sa pagpapaunlad ng buhay ng ating mga magsasaka at para tiyakin na walang Pilipino ang magugutom sa ating pinapanday na Bagong Pilipinas,“ he said.
* * *