In a significant move to support agrarian reform, the government has forgiven debts totaling over PHP88.8 million for 3,296 farmers in the Bicol Region. The debt relief was celebrated at a ceremony in Legazpi City, where Senator Imee Marcos handed out land titles and certificates of condonation, marking a new chapter for beneficiaries from Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Catanduanes.
The event, organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Bicol, saw the distribution of titles for 5,397.37 hectares of farmland. Senator Marcos emphasized the importance of the land titles, which were earned through the farmers’ dedication and hard work. She assured the beneficiaries that with the Certificate of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM), their lands are now debt-free.
Among the beneficiaries, Lorenzo Bronola from Sorsogon expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for condoning PHP261,558 in debts on his land. Similarly, Manuel Camacho from Albay was relieved of a PHP90,000 amortization, freeing up funds for other needs. Renato Calizar from Catanduanes felt a newfound peace, now able to farm without the burden of debt.
Rafael Berana from Sorsogon lauded the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, signed by President Marcos, which enabled this debt relief. The act, Republic Act No. 11953, was signed into law on July 7, 2023, and has been pivotal in alleviating the financial burdens of farmers.
From July 2022 to October 2024, DAR-5 reported the distribution of 8,515 land titles to 7,938 agrarian reform beneficiaries in the region, covering 13,230.90 hectares of agricultural land, showcasing the government’s ongoing commitment to agrarian reform.