A TOTAL of 69 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in northern portion of Negros Occidental have received their certificates of land ownership awards (Cloas) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently.
In Cadiz City, the agency distributed 13 hectares of land to 47 ARBs in an onsite Cloa distribution and installation ceremonies.
Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Teresita Doromal, who led the activity, said the DAR is created to help and guide its stakeholders.
“The department continues to live its mandate to serve you, our farmer-beneficiaries,” she told farmer-beneficiaries, adding that “now that you have attained your dreams to till, farm and became the landowners of your respective areas, keep in mind to pay your taxes and other obligations.”
The involved landholding formerly owned by Danilo Valderrama is located in Barangay Caduha-an.
It was covered through land acquisition and distribution (LAD) process under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (Carper).
Still in Cadiz City, the agency awarded over seven hectares of land to six ARBs.
Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Hannah Jubay, who spoke at the Cloa distribution and installation rites, said: “What we seek in the department is to secure the tenurial status of our beloved farmers in the lands they till.”
“Now, as new landowners, we urge you to bear a great harvest for your respective families and remember the tax responsibilities and other obligations that come with it,” she told ARBs.
The landholding formerly owned by Probo Ignacio is located in Barangay Mabini.
It is also conducted through the LAD process under Carper.
In E.B. Magalona town, 16 ARBs received their Cloas for about three-hectare land situated at Barangay Alicante.
Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Tessie Pedrosa urged farmer-beneficiaries to maximize the full potential of land awarded to them.
“Make use of the land and make it productive. Remember to be responsible by paying the land tax on time as well as amortizations,” she added.
The DAR, through Carp, is mandated to redistribute government and private agricultural lands to landless farmers and farm workers to secure their land security, social equity, and provide them with the necessary productive resources needed to ensure their economic viability and productivity.
It also covers all tenanted agricultural lands such as those in the retained areas, not yet acquired for distribution under the program, and those which may be validly covered under existing laws.
With Negros Occidental under the Modified General Community Quarantine, the series of distribution and installation activities have complied with minimum health protocols set by authorities.