In a significant move to alleviate the financial burdens of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has successfully freed 6,125 farmers in Negros Occidental from debts totaling PHP816.688 million. This relief was facilitated under the Republic Act 11953, known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in July 2023.
The distribution of certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (CoCRoM) took place at the Cadiz City Arena, where DAR Undersecretary Jesry Palmares encouraged the beneficiaries to cherish their newly acquired certificates. ‘The President no longer wants you to worry about your obligations to the bank, and you can pass on your land titles to future generations,’ Palmares stated, emphasizing the long-term benefits of the debt condonation.
The New Agrarian Emancipation Act covers all loans, including interests, penalties, and surcharges, that ARBs incurred from lands awarded under previous agrarian reform laws. The national government will now assume the responsibility of settling these debts with the Land Bank of the Philippines, automatically releasing any mortgage liens or encumbrances tied to these agrarian debts.
Among the beneficiaries, 68-year-old sugarcane farmer Mario Flores Sr. from Barangay Tortosa, Manapla, expressed his gratitude for the debt relief, which amounted to PHP35,091 for him. Similarly, Irene Morales from Barangay Tabugon, Kabankalan City, was overjoyed as her husband’s land amortizations of PHP124,040 were condoned. Ricky Malunes from Barangay Canroma, Pontevedra, also celebrated the condonation of his PHP5,175 debt, noting that it would help him support his children’s education.
The DAR reported that a total of 9,707 CoCRoMs were distributed, covering 6,143 hectares of agricultural land. In the northern part of Negros Occidental, 1,428 ARBs received 2,409 certificates for debts amounting to PHP291.676 million over 1,428 hectares. In the southern region, 4,697 ARBs were relieved of debts totaling PHP525.012 million across 4,930 hectares.
In addition to the debt condonation, the DAR also distributed 4,348 e-titles to 2,220 ARBs covering 2,517 hectares under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project. Furthermore, 969 certificates of land ownership award were given to 682 ARBs for 418.86 hectares of agricultural land across the province.