LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Department of Agrarian Reform – Cordillera Administrative Region, Benguet Provincial Office, distributed 131 Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) with a total of 83.2823 hectares of land to 130 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) covered under Executive Order 75.
Additionally, 380 e-Titles covering 234.7606 hectares were given to 293 ARBs from Atok, Itogon, Kapangan, Kibungan, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay Municipalities on June 18, 2024, at the Closed Gym, Benguet State University, La Trinidad.
The distribution of e-Titles and CLOAs mark a significant milestone in empowering local farmers and advancing agrarian reform in the region.
This event not only provides legal land ownership to ARBs, enabling them to secure a stable future for their families, but also highlights the collaborative efforts of government agencies and local officials in promoting sustainable agriculture and community development.
The support from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and other stakeholders underscores the ongoing commitment to improving the lives of farmers through comprehensive agrarian reform initiatives.
During the distribution, DAR Regional Director Samuel S. Solomero emphasized the significance of these titles, stating that they are provided at no cost to the ARBs, thanks to the support from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III.
He also assured ARBs receiving their titles from the Project Support to the Parcelization of the Land for the Individual Titling (SPLIT) that the New Agrarian Emancipation Act will absolve their debts accumulated under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
Additionally, more support services and programs, including farm machineries, equipment, and training, will be provided to all ARBs.
Hon. Elpedia Alos, also an ARB from the municipality of Atok expressed her community’s gratitude, noting the positive impact of legal land ownership on farmers’ lives.
“Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa mga staff na nagpupunta sa amin maski anong mga hindrance, hindi sila nagsusurender, sa lahat ng staff ng DAR. Buong puso po ako nagpapasalamat para sa mga kapwa magsasaka ng Benguet. Nawa po sa mga darating pang araw ay mas marami pa pong mga katulad naming magsasaka ang mabigyan ninyo ng ganitong pagkakataong mapasakanila rin ang buong buo ang mga lupa na kanilang sinasaka.” Alos said.
She has also echoed the message of RD Solomero about the support services to come their way as ARBs to give better opportunities for them and continue innovation in their livelihood.
Kapangan ARB Gretchen Alunes expressed gratitude for finally legally owning the land farmed by their forefathers, stating, “With this project, you have truly [allowed us] to farm our own legacy.”
ARB recipient of CLOA covered by EO 75 Jose G. Bayas Jr. thanked for the opportunity and requested help with processing their other lands, highlighting the ongoing need for support and collaboration.
He discussed the broader benefits of land ownership for ARBs, including economic growth and community development.
DAR Legal Affairs Office OIC-Assistant Secretary Atty. Eugene P. Follante explained DAR’s process in acquiring these titles for ARBs and emphasized that DAR’s support services will continue as long as ARBs establish their ARB Organization for improved services.
He encouraged ARBs not to sell their land but to become successful farmers.
Benguet Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Lailani A. Cortez highlighted the importance of collaboration with Local Government Units and partner agencies, stating, “Today, we reap the fruits of our efforts. When individuals work together, support each other, remarkable things happen.”
DAR-CAR Assistant Regional Director for Administration Virginia D. Aycud encouraged ARBs to safeguard their land titles as a proud achievement in their livelihood as landowners, adding that there is more to look forward to as ARBs.
The event was further supported by the attendance of several Local Government Units and representatives, including Tublay Mayor Hon. Armando I. Lauro, Councilor Jayson Dangwa of La Trinidad, President of La Trinidad IPO Marcos L. Anod, Barangay Captain Alfredo Agmaliw Jr. of Barangay Wangal, IPMR Teodora H. Esteban of Wangal, PARCCOM representatives, Mayor of Atok representative and officials from the Department of Environment and Resources.
Their presence underscored the remarkable unity and collaboration in creating opportunities for ARBs, ensuring their livelihoods, and contributing to the community’s development.