THIRTY-FIVE potential agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Hinigaran town signed their application to purchase farmers' undertakings and took oath at Hinigaran Municipal Trial Court recently.
Of the total number of farmers, 34 are under the landholdings formerly owned by Maria Christina Zuolaga, Maria Victoria Zuloaga, Maria Begonia Zuloaga and Maria Regina Zuolaga.
The farmers will divide the 7.16 hectares property situated at Barangays Cambugsa and Palayog in the southern Negros Occidental locality.
The other farmer will become the beneficiary of the 2.8924-hectare landholding formerly owned by Maria Cańal situated at Barangay Cambaog.
Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Dolly Chua, in a statement, said the signing of undertakings and the oath-taking signified that the farmers have qualified in the screening process for inclusion in the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Carp).
Chua reminded farmers not to engage in illegal sale, transfer, and lease of lands awarded by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
She emphasized that the DAR is not tolerating illegal sale, transfer, lease or any other form of conveyance by a beneficiary of the right of ownership, right to use, or any usufructuary right over the land acquired by virtue of being a beneficiary.
"The law strictly prohibits ariendo system as it is not a solution to poverty," she stressed, adding that the agency has been helping the farmers improve their lives through the delivery of various support services. (EPN)