A Region Moving Toward Empowerment
On December 22, 2025, a powerful story emerged from Northern Mindanao. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) revealed remarkable progress in reshaping rural communities through land distribution, debt condonation, and vital support services. Under the dedicated leadership of DAR Regional Director Zoraida O. Macadindang, the region achieved a stunning 97.4% of its regular land distribution target. This meant that **31,380 hectares** of fertile soil were granted to **188,248 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs)**. The accomplishment is not merely about numbers—it’s about giving farmers the foundation to cultivate dignity, stability, and prosperity.
Furthermore, the air was filled with relief as 11,908 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM) were handed to 9,768 beneficiaries. This historic move erased **P619.55 million** in agrarian reform debts, with an additional **P76.2 million** scheduled for condonation later. These figures paint a vivid picture of freedom—freedom from financial chains and the opportunity to start anew.
From Collective Dreams to Individual Titles
In Northern Mindanao, land is more than property—it’s a promise of future security. With the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT) in partnership with the World Bank, DAR-10 has been transforming collective landholdings into individual titles. This step strengthens tenure security, ensuring each farmer’s right to their land is protected. Already, **11,727 electronic titles** have reached **11,382 beneficiaries**, covering over **15,825 hectares**, mostly in Bukidnon. Soon, another **7,035 electronic titles** will be distributed, securing the future of **7,674 ARBs** and spanning more than **11,574 hectares**.
Beyond paperwork, DAR’s initiatives create tangible change on the ground. Through the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program, the agency provided **136 units of farm machinery and equipment** worth **P31.16 million** to 89 ARB organizations. This equipment benefits over **6,400 farmers**, enabling them to cultivate their lands more efficiently and boost production. The rumble of tractors and the hum of mechanical threshers symbolize progress, resilience, and a future rooted in self-reliance.
Seeds of Change Taking Root
Northern Mindanao’s agrarian reform journey is a testament to what can happen when policy meets commitment. From empowering farmers with land ownership to liberating them from debt, DAR’s efforts build more than farms—they grow communities, enhance food security, and nurture hope. Here, every hectare distributed, every debt erased, and every machine delivered becomes a tool for transformation.
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