COURTESY: Department of Agrarian Reform
Hey there! If youโre in the loop with the latest buzz from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Northern Mindanao, youโll know thereโs something big brewing. Theyโve just rolled out an impressive set of initiatives that promise to transform the lives of many agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across the region. Letโs dive into what went down and why it matters.
December 12, 2024, marked a monumental day for agrarian reform in Northern Mindanao. DAR spearheaded the distribution of 5,064 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs), 1,075 electronic titles, and 651 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to ARBs from Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental. This wasnโt just any eventโit unfolded at the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex in Malaybalay City, with significant guests like Senator Francis Tolentino and DAR Undersecretary Rowena Niรฑa Taduran gracing the occasion.
So, whatโs the big deal? Well, the issuance of these COCROMs means a collective debt relief for 6,000 ARBs, amounting to a staggering โฑ327.937 million. Thatโs not just a number; it represents 6,105.2966 hectares of land where farmers can now cultivate without financial shackles holding them back.
DAR-Northern Mindanao Regional Director Zoraida Macadindang couldnโt hide her enthusiasm for what this means for the ARBs. She gave a heartfelt shout-out to the Marcos Administration for making it all happen. For decades, these farmers have been working hard on lands they didnโt own, juggling the uncertainty and financial strain. Now, they hold the keys to their futureโliterally.
Macadindang highlighted how lifting the financial burden empowers ARBs to actively engage in the economic landscape and contribute to rural development. The COCROMs arenโt just pieces of paper; they are passports to long-term prosperity and stability.
But wait, thereโs more! The ripple effects of this initiative extend beyond individual prosperity. Macadindang expressed hopes that this milestone will inspire ARBs to maximize their landsโ potential, driving community growth and strengthening the agricultural sector in Northern Mindanao.
Imagine the possibilities: ARBs can now invest in better farming practices, diversify their crops, and maybe even explore agribusiness ventures. This empowerment fuels not just individual success but also community transformation. As these farmers thrive, so do their communities, creating a robust support system that benefits everyone.
At the same event, DAR distributed 1,075 electronic titles to 862 ARBs, covering 1,140.3341 hectares under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project. Plus, 651 CLOAs were given to 717 ARBs, covering 250.6028 hectares. These advancements highlight DAR's commitment to integrating technology into agrarian reform, making processes more efficient and transparent.
The transition to electronic titles is a game-changer. It simplifies land ownership documentation, reduces bureaucratic hurdles, and ensures that ARBs have secure, accessible records of their land rights. This technological leap not only modernizes the system but also builds trust and confidence among farmers.
In closing, Macadindang urged ARBs to seize this opportunity, urging them to harness the potential of their lands and contribute to community growth. The government is committed to supporting these agrarian champions every step of the way, aiming for a brighter, more productive future for the agricultural sector in Northern Mindanao.
So if youโre an ARB or know someone who is, this is your moment. Leverage these opportunities, push boundaries, and letโs work together for a future where agrarian reform isnโt just a policy but a lived reality that uplifts communities and transforms lives. Hereโs to a new chapter for Northern Mindanao, where hope and hard work harvest a better tomorrow!
