Caraga farmers secure land, debt relief ahead of Christmas
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Thousands of farmers across the Caraga Region received a major boost to their livelihood days before Christmas, as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed thousands of land titles and granted wide-ranging debt condonations in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to fast-track agrarian reform and strengthen land tenure security.
On December 17, DAR distributed a total of 13,903 electronic land titles (e-titles) to agrarian reform beneficiaries during a mass awarding ceremony in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
DAR Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan and DAR Caraga Director Merlita Capinpuyan led the activity.
Awarded e-titles cover approximately 20,044 hectares of agricultural land and benefit 10,251 agrarian reform beneficiaries across Caraga’s five provinces, marking one of the region’s largest land distribution activities in recent years.
Dir. Capinpuyan shared that the initiative reflects the Marcos administration’s firm commitment to completing agrarian reform and improving farmers’ quality of life by providing secure land ownership, strengthening food security, and promoting inclusive rural development.
“This activity is part of the President’s clear directive to ensure that farmers finally enjoy the fruits of agrarian reform, secure land, freedom from debt, and renewed opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” Capinpuyan said.
Alongside the land title distribution, DAR also awarded Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, a landmark law signed by President Marcos Jr. that erases farmers’ unpaid land amortizations and accumulated interest.
Capinpuyan disclosed that more than P80 million worth of land amortizations were condoned through the issuance of COCROMs covering around 2,221.6380 hectares of land. The debt relief benefited 1,927 agrarian reform beneficiaries from Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur.
Farmer-beneficiaries warmly welcomed the support, noting its profound impact on their lives and livelihoods. For Edgardo C. Madjos, 53, of Butuan City, the awarding of his land title marked the realization of a long-held aspiration.
“This is the best Christmas gift I could receive,” Madjos shared. “Having secure ownership of our land brings peace of mind and renewed hope for our family’s future.”
Francisco Mijares Jr., 60, of Cabadbaran City, likewise underscored the value of the debt condonation, saying it would enable farmers to channel their efforts and resources toward increasing farm productivity.
“We are thankful for this government initiative,” Mijares said. “Now that we are free from debt, we are encouraged to make better use of our farmlands and improve our harvests.”
According to Buenavista Mayor Joselito T. Roble, the distribution of land titles and debt condonation is more than a simple paperwork exercise, as it is the realization of the farmers’ long-cherished dreams. He emphasized that for many beneficiaries, the documents symbolize dignity, security, and a better future for their families.
Mayor Roble assured that the local government of Buenavista will remain a steadfast partner of the Department of Agrarian Reform in advancing genuine and meaningful agrarian reform, saying the municipality is committed to supporting programs that bring lasting benefits to farmers and strengthen rural development.
The activity also included the distribution of 197 collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) covering 166.7594 hectares, benefiting 173 farmers and further advancing the government’s push to empower organized farmer groups.
The initiative supports the 9-point agenda of DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, which prioritizes bringing government services closer to communities, strengthening food security, improving rural livelihoods, and reducing poverty through secure land tenure, debt relief, and strong farmer organizations.
For many beneficiaries, the timing of the assistance made the occasion especially meaningful.
This is the best Christmas gift we have ever received, farmer beneficiaries shared. The debt condonation would enable them to reinvest in farm inputs and improve their income, turning long-awaited agrarian reform gains into real opportunities for growth and stability in the countryside. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
