Cultivating Futures: The Launch of a ₱500 Million Learning Center in Naawan

COURTESY: Local Government Unit of Naawan 

The recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Institute for the Sustainable Transformation of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries marks a significant milestone for farmers in Northern Mindanao. On July 10, 2025, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Naawan and various line agencies, initiated the development of a ₱500 million climate-resilient farm learning center. This center will stand proudly on a two-hectare lot generously donated by the LGU Naawan. 

The primary goal of this state-of-the-art learning center is to empower agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and smallholder farmers. Through comprehensive training and capacity-building programs, this initiative will equip farmers with sustainable farming practices. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of environmental resilience in agriculture, ensuring that the farming community can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. The center is part of the Sustainable and Inclusive Livelihoods through Partnerships and Innovation for Transformation (SPLIT) Project under the Capacity Building and Technical Assistance (CBTA) component of DAR.

A Collaborative Effort for Rural Transformation

The groundbreaking ceremony garnered significant attention, as it was attended by notable figures, including DAR Undersecretaries Atty. Kazel Celeste, Josef Angelo Martires, and Amihilda Sangcopan. Additionally, Governor Juliet Uy, along with representatives from the local government and educational institutions, showcased the widespread support for this transformative initiative. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed, solidifying the collaboration among various stakeholders dedicated to uplifting the agricultural sector.

In a further demonstration of commitment to farmers, DAR also handed over ₱7.26 million worth of farm machinery and inputs to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) from Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, and Camiguin. This tangible support not only enhances the farming capabilities of local communities but also reinforces the shared vision of DAR and LGU Naawan to uplift rural livelihoods. As this groundbreaking initiative unfolds, it promises to cultivate a new era of agricultural innovation and sustainability, setting a benchmark for future projects aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape in the region.

Harvesting Hope: A New Dawn for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Northern Mindanao

COURTESY: Department of Agrarian Reform

Hey there! If you’re in the loop with the latest buzz from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Northern Mindanao, you’ll know there’s something big brewing. They’ve just rolled out an impressive set of initiatives that promise to transform the lives of many agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across the region. Let’s 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 wasn’t just any event—it unfolded at the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex in Malaybalay City, with significant guests like Senator Francis Tolentino and DAR Undersecretary Rowena Niña Taduran gracing the occasion.

So, what’s the big deal? Well, the issuance of these COCROMs means a collective debt relief for 6,000 ARBs, amounting to a staggering ₱327.937 million. That’s 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 couldn’t 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 didn’t own, juggling the uncertainty and financial strain. Now, they hold the keys to their future—literally.

Macadindang highlighted how lifting the financial burden empowers ARBs to actively engage in the economic landscape and contribute to rural development. The COCROMs aren’t just pieces of paper; they are passports to long-term prosperity and stability.

But wait, there’s more! The ripple effects of this initiative extend beyond individual prosperity. Macadindang expressed hopes that this milestone will inspire ARBs to maximize their lands’ 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 you’re an ARB or know someone who is, this is your moment. Leverage these opportunities, push boundaries, and let’s work together for a future where agrarian reform isn’t just a policy but a lived reality that uplifts communities and transforms lives. Here’s to a new chapter for Northern Mindanao, where hope and hard work harvest a better tomorrow!