IBA, Zambales (PIA) — About 32 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Zambales received electronic land titles and debt condonation certificates from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
This aims to strengthen land tenure security and reduce the financial burden of farmers through the implementation of Republic Act 11953, otherwise known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which condones unpaid land amortization of qualified ARBs.
DAR Zambales Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer for Land Tenure Services Domingo Marin Jr. said beneficiaries who received Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) are now free from land-related debts, with more than P445,900 worth of obligations erased.
“Kayo po ay malaya na ngayon sa inyong mga pagkakautang sapagkat ito ay burado na mula noong pinirmahan ni Presidente Bongbong Marcos ang batas o RA 11953 (You are now free from your debts because these were erased when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 11953 into law),” Marin said.
Under the law, ARBs are no longer required to pay land amortization because their debts have been condoned.
Marin encouraged the beneficiaries to join cooperatives or associations to fully access support services such as farm inputs, training, and livelihood assistance provided by DAR.
A total of 28 electronic titles covering 43.600 hectares were distributed to 26 beneficiaries from the municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Candelaria, Iba, and Botolan.
Meanwhile, six beneficiaries from Masinloc and Cabangan received COCROMs covering a combined area of 8.2999 hectares.
The distribution was led by DAR Zambales Provincial Office in line with the agency’s continuing efforts to promote secure land ownership and improve the quality of life of ARBs. (CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3–Zambales)
