The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has condoned at least PHP8.5 million in unpaid amortizations, interest, and surcharges owed by agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Masbate province.
In a report released Thursday, DAR said more than 180 ARBs received 51 land titles and 148 certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (COCROMs) earlier this week, covering 102.1828 hectares of agricultural land.
DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, who led the distribution, told the ARBs that the initiative is part of the agency’s accelerated efforts to secure land tenure and strengthen rural livelihoods.
“Sa buong Pilipinas, ang daming matagal na naghintay. Ngayon ho, hindi na ninyo kailangang maghintay nang matagal. Papaspasan namin, bibilisan namin, at kami mismo ang magde-deliver at magbibigay ng titulo sa ating mga ARBs (Across the Philippines, many have waited a long time. Now, you don’t have to wait. We will expedite the process and deliver the titles to our ARBs ourselves),” Estrella was quoted as saying.
In addition to debt relief, DAR-Masbate turned over two tractors and 26 small farm machinery worth PHP4.65 million to eight organizations in the province. (PNA)