In a significant stride towards agrarian reform, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced that 203,839 farmers across the Philippines received land titles in 2024. This distribution included 211,751 titles, with 134,736 being electronic and 77,015 as certificates of land ownership award, all part of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program’s land acquisition and distribution efforts.
Each beneficiary is eligible to receive up to three titles for different land segments. According to DAR Undersecretary Luis Meinrado Pañgulayan, of the total beneficiaries, 126,810 received their titles through the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project, while 77,029 were awarded under the regular land acquisition and distribution program.
Pañgulayan emphasized the importance of adhering to land use regulations, warning that violations such as abandonment, misuse, or unauthorized conversion of land for commercial or residential purposes could result in disqualification from the program.
Additionally, the implementation of Republic Act 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, has been a boon for farmers. This act condones all unpaid amortizations, including principal debt, interest, and surcharges, benefiting 610,054 farmers who cultivate 1.173 million hectares and relieving them of PHP57.56 billion in unpaid obligations.
DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III has committed to completing the land distribution program by 2028, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term. This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to empowering farmers through land ownership and providing essential agricultural support services.
The DAR continues its mission, as outlined in the 1987 Constitution, to enhance land tenure, deliver agrarian justice, and ensure the provision of necessary support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries.