IBA, Zambales (PIA) – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Zambales Provincial Office distributed electronic titles (e-titles) and Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province.
This is part of the government’s continued efforts to empower farmers and strengthen agrarian reform in Zambales.
Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer for Land Tenure Services (CARPO for LTS) Domingo Marin Jr. highlighted the importance of the program during the distribution.
“President Marcos understands the condition of farmers. Under Republic Act 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, you no longer need to repay debts to Landbank. I encourage you to take care of your land and join organizations, as DAR provides support services to these groups to help you maximize the benefits of this program,” he said.
A total of 33 e-titles were distributed, formally recognizing the land ownership of 33 ARBs.
This effort is part of the national government’s broader initiative to address historical land distribution issues and ensure that agrarian reform beneficiaries can fully enjoy the rights to the land they cultivate.
Sibol ARB Multi-Purpose Cooperative Chairman Ananias Custodio, one of the beneficiaries,
shared his appreciation for the program.
“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa ating Pangulo dahil malaking tulong po ito sa aming mga magsasaka na hindi na po namin babayaran pa sa Landbank ang mga lupang aming pag-aari. Napakagaan po nito para sa amin at napakalaking tulong po. Labis po kaming nagpapasalamat at sisikapin po namin na mapabuti ang aming ani sa pagsasaka,” he said.
Beyond land distribution, the initiative helps ease the financial burden of beneficiaries by condoning their debts and releasing them from the mortgages that previously encumbered their properties.
In addition to distributing e-titles and certificates of condonation, the program also helps ARBs
access essential resources and support services.
DAR said these efforts aim to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the development of local agriculture. (MJSC/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
