P260-M agrarian debts canceled in Cagayan Valley
CITY OF ILAGAN—Some 5,870 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Cagayan Valley region have been freed of land debts and could not fully own the farms awarded to them by the government.
The ARBs were recipients of the certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (Cocroms) in an awarding ceremony led by Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III held at Capital Arena here on Thursday.
The Cocroms, totaling 9,257 certificates, officially condoned P260.17 million in unpaid amortizations for 6,389.25 hectares of land awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program enacted in 1988 under the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino.
The move is part of the implementation of the New Agrarian Reform Emancipation Act, enacted in 2023, which forgives all unpaid land amortizations, interest, and penalties incurred by ARBs.
“This brings significant relief and fresh opportunities to our farmers, freeing them from decades of unpaid debts and allowing them to rebuild,” Estrella said, drawing applause from over 6,000 attendees from the provinces of Isabela, Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.
In the same event, he also distributed 1,805 land titles, including electronic titles (e-titles), under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project.
These titles benefited 1,512 ARBs and covered 3,149 parcels of agricultural land across the region.
‘Sustainable’
The SPLIT project, funded by the World Bank, fast-tracks the subdivision of collective certificates of land ownership awards into individual titles to provide farmers with greater tenure security.
World Bank Senior Land Administration Specialist Kathrine Kelm stressed the impact of individual titling: “This is a key factor in fostering investment, sustainable agricultural practices, and improved livelihoods.”
“The World Bank’s full experience demonstrates the secure land rights contribute to increasing the agricultural activity and food security. When individuals and communities have confidence in their land rights, they are in a better position to make long-term improvements and contribute to local development,” she added.
During the ceremony, Estrella also launched the Abogado ti Mannalon (Lawyer of the Farmers) program, a joint initiative with the National Prosecution Service, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Tuguegarao Young Lawyers Initiative, and the Public Attorney’s Office.
The program seeks to strengthen agrarian justice by providing free legal assistance to ARBs and eligible beneficiaries.
