THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Negros Occidental - South has installed 24 farmers at Sitio Agho, Barangay Camandag in La Castellana town recently.

These 24 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are now the owners of the 18.4581-hectare landholding formerly owned by Jose Maria Cadungon after receiving there certificates of land ownership award (Cloas).

The property was covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reform (Carper) through compulsory acquisition scheme.

DAR Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Josephine Yap, who led the installation rites, lauded the farmers and encouraged them to be productive and empowered ARBs.

Yap reminded the beneficiaries to practice diligence in the use, cultivation and maintenance of the land.

ARBs are also urged to pay their real property taxes in the local government unit.

"We encourage ARBs to strengthen their organization and not to engage in any form of illegal activities," Yap said.

Yap added that the DAR and other government agencies are ready to help CARP beneficiaries.

Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) representative Levy Villacrusis presented the bank's programs such as Accessible Funds for Delivery (Afford) to ARBs and other financial assistance intended to qualified applicants.

He emphasized that farmer-beneficiaries should pay their obligations in theirannual amortizations.

"It is part of our campaign to let the farmers know that there is agovernment that works for the farmer-beneficiaries," Villacrusis added.

For ARB representative Elma Domingo, they are thankful to the agency.

"We are fortunate to have a supportive landowner that enables farmers to own the land," she added.