Agrarian Reform Sec. Jhon Castriciones (left) and Mayor Nerivi Santos-Martinez (right) lead distribution of land titles and livelihood assistance. Photo by Armand Galang
TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija –– A total of 86 agrarian reform beneficiaries from four Nueva Ecija towns have received land titles in rites led by Agrarian Reform Sec. John Castriciones.
Provincial agrarian reform officer Jocelyn Ramones said Castriciones handed over the titles to farmers from Llanera, Sto. Domingo, Rizal and this municipality Thursday afternoon.
The emancipation patents (EPs) and certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) numbering 96 covered a total of 51. 6251 hectares, she said.
Of the beneficiaries, 66 came from this town, 11 from Llanera, five from Sto. Domingo, and 4our from Rizal.
Castrociones said the distribution of titles to qualified beneficiaries was fast tracked upon orders of President Duterte who wants it accomplished before his term ends.
Also distributed was a total of P29 million in livelihood assistance, which, according to Castrociones, was part of their collaborative efforts with other government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units, among others.
“Ang gusto ng namin ay magsasakang asensado,” Castriciones said.
Mayor Nerivi Santos-Martinez expressed gratitude for DAR’s effort in helping farmers of her town. Addressing beneficiaries, Martinez said farmers here produced up to 150 cavans of riceper hectare.
“Siguro dahil na rin sa irrigation,” she said as she expressed hope that ownership of the land will further boost the farmers’ productivity.
