Breaking Ground, One Title at a Time: Inside the Philippines’ SPLIT Project Push

Manila, Philippines - Deep in the countryside, where land is both livelihood and legacy, a quiet transformation is underway. The Philippine government, with support from the World Bank, is accelerating efforts to untangle decades-old land ownership issues through the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project, a reform initiative that aims to put clear land titles directly into the hands of farmers.

At stake is more than paperwork. For thousands of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), the shift from collective to individual land titles represents a long-awaited step toward true ownership, economic security, and independence.

From Shared Titles to Individual Ownership

For years, many farmers held collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs), documents that grouped multiple beneficiaries under a single land title. While intended to streamline agrarian reform, these collective titles often led to disputes, unclear boundaries, and limited economic use of the land.

The SPLIT Project seeks to resolve this by subdividing collective CLOAs into individual titles, giving each farmer a clearly defined parcel. The logic is straightforward: when ownership is clear, farmers are more likely to invest in their land, access credit, and increase productivity.

Progress with Caution

According to the latest World Bank implementation report, the project is making “moderately satisfactory” progress—a rating that reflects steady gains, but also acknowledges ongoing hurdles.

Field operations have expanded, and parcelization efforts are moving forward across multiple regions. Yet the pace remains uneven. Surveying challenges, documentation gaps, and coordination issues among implementing agencies continue to slow down full-scale rollout.

Despite these constraints, the momentum is notable. Compared to earlier phases marked by delays, the project has shown measurable improvement in execution and output delivery.

Risks Beneath the Surface

The report underscores a persistent reality: agrarian reform is inherently complex. The SPLIT Project continues to operate under a “substantial risk” environment, shaped by factors such as:

• Overlapping land claims and legal disputes
• Fragmented land records and outdated documentation
• Institutional coordination gaps among government agencies
• Capacity limitations in field-level implementation

These are not new problems, but they remain deeply embedded in the system, requiring more than technical fixes.

Beyond Titles: The Bigger Rural Question

While land titling is a critical milestone, experts caution that it is only one piece of a larger rural development puzzle. Ownership alone does not guarantee higher incomes.

Farmers still need access to credit, farm-to-market roads, irrigation, and extension services. Without these, the economic promise of land ownership may remain unrealized.

Still, securing individual titles is widely seen as a foundational reform—one that can unlock broader opportunities when paired with sustained government support.

A Reform That Tests Governance

More than a land project, SPLIT has become a test of institutional coordination and governance. Its success depends not just on surveying land, but on aligning agencies, resolving disputes, and maintaining data integrity across thousands of parcels.

In this sense, the project reflects a deeper truth: agrarian reform is as much about systems as it is about soil.

Looking Ahead

As implementation continues, the challenge will be balancing speed and accuracy, ensuring that titles are issued efficiently without compromising legal soundness.

For now, the story of SPLIT is one of cautious progress. It is a reform moving forward, step by step, across fields and communities—reshaping land ownership in ways that could define the future of rural development in the Philippines.

And for the farmers waiting on the ground, each title released is more than a document. It is a promise, of clarity, of control, and of a more secure tomorrow.

Source: The World Bank Implementation & Results Report SPLIT Project 

Related article: Environmental and Social Dimensions of the SPLIT Project

DARPO-Cagayan Upskills ARBs with eFBS Launch in Piat

PIAT, Cagayan – The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office of
Cagayan (DARPO-Cagayan) formally launched the Enhanced Farm Business School (eFBS) in the municipality of Piat, reinforcing its commitment to transform agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) into competitive farmer-entrepreneurs.

The eFBS is an upgraded capacity-building program designed to equip farmers with advanced knowledge in farm business management, value-adding, marketing, and digital agriculture. It builds on the traditional Farm Business School by integrating modern, technology-driven approaches and experiential learning methodologies to make agriculture more market-oriented and profitable. 

During the launch, farmer-participants expressed optimism that the training will help improve their productivity and income, while strengthening their organizations and market linkages. The program also promotes sustainable agricultural practices and encourages farmers to shift from subsistence farming to agribusiness enterprises. 

DAR officials emphasized that the initiative is part of the agency’s continuing support services to empower rural communities, enhance food security, and contribute to countryside development. The eFBS will guide participants through a series of structured learning sessions focused on enterprise development, financial management, and market engagement.

With the rollout of the eFBS in Piat, DARPO-Cagayan continues to expand opportunities for ARBs to innovate, collaborate, and thrive in an increasingly competitive agricultural economy.

Land transactions that REQUIRE issuance of DAR Clearance in the Philippines

 

I. LEGAL FOUNDATION

The requirement for DAR Clearance stems from:

1. Republic Act No. 6657 (as amended by RA 9700)

• Section 27 – Prohibits transfer of awarded lands except in specific cases
• Section 65 – DAR regulates land use and conversion
• Establishes DAR jurisdiction over agricultural land transfers

2. Executive Order No. 129-A

• Vests DAR with primary authority to approve/disapprove land transfers

3. Joint DAR-LRA Memorandum Circular No. 20, s. 1996

• Registry of Deeds shall not register instruments involving agricultural land without DAR Clearance

4. DAR Administrative Issuances

• DAR AO No. 1, s. 2019
• DAR AO No. 04, s. 2021 (streamlining clearance procedures)

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II. TRANSACTIONS REQUIRING DAR CLEARANCE

1. Sale or Absolute Conveyance of Agricultural Land

Includes:

• Deed of Absolute Sale
• Conditional Sale
• Installment Sale

Legal Basis:

• RA 6657, Sec. 27
• Joint DAR-LRA MC No. 20, s. 1996

👉 Applies to:

• Private agricultural lands
• Lands already covered or subject to CARP

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2. Transfer of Ownership of Awarded Lands (CLOA/EP Lands)

Includes:

• Sale by agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs)
• Transfer to qualified beneficiaries
• Transfer to the government

Legal Basis:

• RA 6657, Sec. 27
• DAR AO No. 1, s. 2019

⚠️ Strictly regulated:

• Within 10-year prohibition period
• Buyer must be qualified beneficiary

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3. Donation of Agricultural Land

Includes:

• Donation inter vivos
• Transfers without consideration

Legal Basis:

• RA 6657 (DAR regulatory authority)
• Joint DAR-LRA MC No. 20, s. 1996

👉 Treated as a mode of ownership transfer → requires clearance

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4. Exchange (Barter) of Agricultural Lands

Legal Basis:

• Civil Code (contracts) + DAR regulatory authority
• Joint DAR-LRA MC No. 20, s. 1996

👉 Any change in ownership triggers DAR review

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5. Assignment or Transfer of Rights

Includes:

• Assignment of rights over agricultural land
• Transfer of possessory or usufruct rights (if ownership implications exist)

Legal Basis:

• DAR AO No. 1, s. 2019
• RA 6657 Sec. 27

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6. Subdivision of Agricultural Land for Transfer to Multiple Buyers

Includes:

• Sale of subdivided agricultural lots
• Development for distribution (non-conversion scenario)

Legal Basis:

• RA 6657 Sec. 65 (land use regulation)
• DAR administrative issuances

👉 DAR ensures:

• No circumvention of CARP
• Compliance with retention limits

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7. Transfer of Agricultural Lands Covered by Pending CARP Acquisition

Rule:

Even if not yet awarded, lands under CARP process cannot be transferred without DAR clearance

Legal Basis:

• RA 6657 Sec. 16 (acquisition process)
• DAR jurisdiction doctrine

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8. Lease with Transfer Features / Lease-to-Own Arrangements

Includes:

• Lease agreements that effectively transfer ownership
• Long-term arrangements with purchase options

Legal Basis:

• DAR regulatory power under EO 129-A
• Anti-circumvention principle of CARP

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9. Corporate Transfers Involving Agricultural Land Assets

Includes:

• Sale of shares where primary asset is agricultural land
• Mergers/acquisitions affecting land control

Legal Basis:

• DAR doctrine on substance over form
• RA 6657 policy against circumvention

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10. Foreclosed Agricultural Land (Upon Resale)

Rule:

• Bank acquisition → no clearance at foreclosure stage
• Resale to third party → requires DAR clearance

Legal Basis:

• DAR administrative practice
• Joint DAR-LRA MC No. 20, s. 1996

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III. KEY OPERATING RULE

👉 No DAR Clearance = No Registration

Under Joint DAR-LRA MC No. 20, s. 1996:

• Registry of Deeds must deny registration
• Applies to:
  • Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) issuance
  • Annotation of deeds

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IV. TECHNICAL TRIGGERS FOR DAR CLEARANCE

A transaction requires DAR clearance if ALL are present:

1. Land is agricultural in classification or use
2. There is transfer/change of ownership or control
3. Land is within or potentially within CARP coverage

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V. FIELD-LEVEL GUIDANCE (DAR / LGU / ARBO USE)

Before processing any transaction, verify:

• Land classification (tax declaration + zoning)
• CARP status:
  • Covered
  • Under process
  • Awarded (CLOA/EP)
• Presence of:
  • Conversion Order
  • Exemption/Exclusion Order

👉 If uncertain → require DAR Clearance or Certification

Related article: Exemptions from DAR Clearance for transfer of agricultural lands in the Philippines

Exemptions from DAR Clearance for transfer of agricultural lands in the Philippines

 

I. GENERAL RULE

DAR Clearance is required for any transfer, sale, or conveyance of agricultural land.

Legal Bases:

• Republic Act No. 6657 (CARL), as amended by RA 9700
  • Sec. 27 – restrictions on transfer of awarded lands
  • Sec. 65 – DAR authority over land use and transfers
• Executive Order No. 129-A (1987) – DAR’s regulatory authority
• DAR Administrative Orders (e.g., AO No. 1, s. 2019; AO No. 04-2021)
• Joint DAR-LRA MC No. 20, s. 1996 – RD will not register transfers without DAR clearance

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II. EXEMPTIONS FROM DAR CLEARANCE

1. Transfers by Hereditary Succession

Rule:

Transfer of agricultural land through inheritance (testate or intestate) does not require DAR clearance as a prerequisite to transfer, although DAR may still require verification.

Legal Basis:

• RA 6657, Sec. 27 – allows transfer by hereditary succession
• Civil Code provisions on succession
• Recognized in DAR practice and jurisprudence

Notes:

• Still subject to retention limits (5 hectares per heir)
• DAR may issue certification instead of clearance

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2. Transfers to the Government or Government Entities

Rule:

Sales, donations, or conveyances to:

• National Government
• Local Government Units (LGUs)
• Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs)

→ Exempt from DAR clearance

Legal Basis:

• RA 6657, Sec. 27 – allows transfer to the government
• Public purpose doctrine (eminent domain, infrastructure)

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3. Lands Already Classified as Non-Agricultural

Rule:

If land is not agricultural, DAR has no jurisdiction, hence no clearance required.

Includes:

• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Institutional

Legal Bases:

• RA 6657, Sec. 3(c) – defines agricultural land
• DAR AO No. 06, s. 1994
• DOJ Opinion No. 44, s. 1990

👉 Key doctrine:

• Lands classified as non-agricultural before 15 June 1988 are outside CARP coverage

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4. Lands with Approved DAR Conversion

Rule:

If land has a valid DAR Conversion Order, it is no longer agricultural → no DAR clearance required for transfer

Legal Basis:

• RA 6657, Sec. 65 – land conversion authority
• DAR Administrative Orders on conversion (e.g., AO No. 1, s. 2002)

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5. Judicial Transfers (Court-Ordered)

Rule:

Transfers arising from:

• Court judgments
• Partition proceedings
• Execution sales

→ May proceed without prior DAR clearance, subject to court authority.

Legal Basis:

• Rules of Court
• Recognized exception in practice and administrative interpretation

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6. Lands Not Covered by CARP

Rule:

If land is outside CARP coverage, clearance is not required.

Examples:

• Lands with slope > 18%
• Lands classified as forest, mineral, or protected areas
• Lands proven to be non-agricultural in use/classification

Legal Bases:

• RA 6657, Sec. 10 – exclusions
• DAR issuances on coverage/exclusion

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7. Certain Small or De Minimis Transfers (Limited/Conditional)

Rule:

Some DAR issuances recognize limited exemptions for very small parcels or specific situations.

Legal Basis:

• DAR Administrative Orders (case-to-case application)

⚠️ Note:

• This is not automatic; usually requires DAR certification of exemption
• Registry of Deeds often still requires proof from DAR

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8. Temporary Acquisition by Banks (Foreclosure)

Rule:

Banks acquiring agricultural land via foreclosure may hold property without clearance.

Limitation:

• Resale to third parties requires DAR clearance

Legal Basis:

• Banking laws + DAR administrative practice

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III. IMPORTANT DISTINCTION

Even when exempt from DAR clearance, the following may still be required:

• DAR Certification of Non-Coverage / Exemption
• DAR Conversion Order (if applicable)
• Compliance with retention limits (5 hectares)

👉 The Registry of Deeds typically will not proceed without DAR confirmation, even for exempt cases. 

Dairy Box Tuguegarao Advances Local Dairy Industry Through Multi-Agency Support

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — The operation of Dairy Box Tuguegarao continues to strengthen market access for locally produced dairy products through the collaborative efforts of the Integrated Farmers Cooperative, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tuguegarao City.

Dairy Box (located at Zone 6, Maharlika highway, Namabbalan Norte, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan) serves as a dedicated outlet for carabao milk and value-added dairy products produced by farmer-beneficiaries and cooperative members. Products available include fresh carabao milk, pastillas de leche and other milk-based commodities, which provide consumers with nutritious, locally sourced alternatives while generating sustainable income for producers.

The Integrated Farmers Cooperative manages the day-to-day operations and product sourcing, ensuring that benefits directly reach farming communities. DAR supports the initiative as part of its agrarian reform community development efforts, while DA provides technical assistance to enhance dairy production.

DTI contributes through enterprise development, packaging, and market linkage support; DOST provides technical guidance on food processing, quality assurance, and product innovation; and the LGU supports the initiative through local promotion and enabling policy environment.

The multi-agency partnership underscores the government’s commitment to food security, rural enterprise development, and inclusive economic growth. Through continued collaboration, Dairy Box Tuguegarao is positioned as a strategic platform for empowering farmers, strengthening cooperatives, and promoting proudly Filipino agricultural products.

Residents of Tuguegarao City and nearby communities are encouraged to patronize locally produced dairy products through Dairy Box Tuguegarao, a dedicated outlet featuring fresh and value-added milk products made by local farmer-producers and cooperative members.

Dairy Box serves as a community-based marketing platform for high-quality dairy commodities, offering consumers access to fresh carabao milk, pastillas de leche, and other milk-based products. These products are processed using locally sourced milk, ensuring freshness while promoting the use of Philippine-made agricultural commodities.

Carabao milk, one of the outlet’s flagship products, is known for its naturally creamy texture and high nutritional value, particularly in calcium and protein content. Meanwhile, processed products such as pastillas and kesong puti provide consumers with convenient, affordable, and culturally rooted food options suitable for households, students, and professionals.

Beyond product promotion, Dairy Box plays a significant role in supporting livelihood generation and enterprise development among small-scale dairy farmers. By providing a reliable market outlet, it helps improve producers’ income and encourages the growth of community-based agri-enterprises in the province.

The initiative reflects the continuing efforts of stakeholders to promote food security, local economic development, and consumer awareness on the benefits of supporting Filipino-made products. It also strengthens the link between producers and consumers, ensuring that the value of agricultural production is shared more equitably across the supply chain.

The public is invited to visit Dairy Box Tuguegarao and support local dairy products that are nutritious, affordable, and proudly made in Cagayan.

ARBs who were given lands under RA 6657 (CARL) may still be qualified as beneficiaries of 4Ps under RA 11310 (4Ps Act)

ARBs who are awarded agricultural lands under RA 6657 (CARL) are not automatically considered
poor or not poor under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of RA 11310.

Whether they are considered “poor” depends on whether they meet the poverty criteria defined under the 4Ps Law—not on whether they own land.

Does owning land as an ARB remove a household from being considered “poor”? No. Land ownership is not a basis for exclusion.                                                                                        

How does 4Ps define “poor”? Households classified as poor or near-poor by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (Listahanan), based on income and living conditions.

Are farmers or ARBs excluded from 4Ps? No. In fact, farmers and farmworkers are priority sectors for inclusion in 4Ps under RA 11310.                                                                   

So, can an ARB household still be considered “poor” and qualify for 4Ps?  Yes—if they are still income-poor and meet 4Ps conditions.

Legal Bases

1.   RA 6657 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law).  Provides that qualified farmers and farmworkers may be awarded land.  The law does not state that once awarded land, ARBs are no longer poor or disqualified from social welfare benefits.  Many ARBs remain economically poor despite land ownership due to lack of capital, irrigation, markets, or support services.

2.     RA 11310 (4Ps Act), Section 6.  A household is eligible for 4Ps if: (1) Classified as poor or near-poor by the National Household Targeting System (Listahanan); (2) Has children 0–18 years old or a pregnant member; (3) Agrees to comply with health and education conditions.  Section 6(c) further states that households of farmers, fisherfolk, and farmworkers are priority sectors for inclusion in the targeting system. This means ARBs are “priority for inclusion”—not excluded.

Conclusion

*ARBs who were awarded land may still be classified as poor under the 4Ps Law.

*Land ownership does not automatically mean they are no longer poor.

*What matters is income, access to services, and living standards—not land title alone.

* If the ARB household still lives below the poverty threshold and meets 4Ps conditions, they remain qualified.

DARPO-Cagayan Evaluates 90 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations under IT-eASy (ITEMA) Assessment

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan - The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) Cagayan has successfully completed the Information Technology-enabled Maturity Assessment System (IT-eASy, formerly ITEMA) for 90 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) across the province, marking a milestone in assessing organizational maturity, sustainability, and capacity for enterprise growth.

The IT-eASy (ITEMA) is a digitalized monitoring and evaluation tool developed by DAR to determine the readiness and maturity level of ARBOs in managing agribusiness enterprises. It measures five key areas-Governance, Organizational Management, Resource Management, Enterprise Development, and Financial Performance - to classify cooperatives into five maturity levels, from Level 1 (Emerging) to Level 5 (Sustaining).

16 ARBOs Achieve Maturity Level 5

Out of the 90 ARBOs assessed in Cagayan, 16 organizations reached the highest Maturity Level 5, signifying strong institutional stability, operational excellence, and sustainable enterprise performance.

Leading the list is the Nararagan Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Ballesteros), which topped the province with a score of 73 points. Other high-performing ARBOs include:

*Villarey ARB Cooperative (Piat) – 70.3

*Concepcion Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Amulung) – 70.1

*Payagan Farmers Cooperative (Ballesteros) – 70

*Sunrise Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Gattaran) – 67.5

*Maguing Farmers MPC (Gonzaga) – 66.3

*Calayan Samahang Nayon MPC (Gonzaga) – 66.2

*Cabayabasan Farmers Credit Cooperative (Lal-lo) – 65.5

  and several others that showed exceptional enterprise management.

22 ARBOs at Level 4, 34 at Level 3

Meanwhile, 22 ARBOs were classified under Maturity Level 4, demonstrating consistent growth but still requiring further development in governance and enterprise scaling. 34 ARBOs landed at Level 3, indicating progressing organizations that are in the consolidation phase of enterprise management.

 Emerging ARBOs: Levels 1 and 2

A total of 18 ARBOs fell under Levels 1 and 2, representing emerging and developing organizations that need strengthened capacity building, financial literacy, and market linkage interventions. DARPO-Cagayan will provide focused technical assistance and organizational strengthening programs to help these cooperatives improve their performance and sustainability.

Strengthening Agrarian Reform Enterprise Development

DARPO-Cagayan Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Val M. Cristobal emphasized that the ITEMA results are vital in planning future interventions for ARBOs under the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP).

“The IT-eASy assessment allows us to identify where our ARBOs stand in terms of governance, operations, and business viability. It helps us design the right support packages—whether capacity building, market linkages, or enterprise financing,” PARPO II Cristobal said.

The DAR’s ITEMA initiative supports the national goal of empowering agrarian reform beneficiaries toward self-reliant, business-oriented, and resilient cooperatives capable of sustaining rural livelihoods and contributing to local economic development.

 

Why Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) should join ARBOs

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) see the value of joining and actively participating in an
Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization (ARBO). 

Why Every ARB Should Join an ARBO?

As an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary, you already hold one of the greatest assets a farmer can have: land ownership. But owning land is only the beginning. To make it truly productive and sustainable, you need strength in numbers—and this is where an Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization (ARBO) comes in.

1. Stronger Together

On your own, it is difficult to compete with large traders, access affordable farm inputs, or negotiate for fair prices. But as an ARBO member, you join forces with other farmers. Together, you have collective bargaining power—whether for selling your produce or buying seeds, fertilizer, and equipment at lower costs.

2. Access to Support Services

The government, through the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and partner agencies, often delivers support—such as farm machinery, post-harvest facilities, training, and credit assistance—through ARBOs. Many programs and grants are not given to individuals but are channeled through organized groups. Without membership, you risk being left out of these opportunities.

3. Easier Access to Capital and Markets

Banks and financing institutions prefer lending to organized farmers. ARBO membership increases your eligibility for loans and insurance. At the same time, buyers—including supermarkets, processors, and exporters—often deal directly with ARBOs because they can provide consistent quality and volume that individual farmers cannot.

4. Learning and Growth

Through your ARBO, you gain access to training, mentoring, and farm business schools that upgrade your skills not only as a farmer but as an entrepreneur. You learn modern practices, financial literacy, and leadership—all crucial for your family’s future.

5. Resilience and Security

When challenges like typhoons, pests, or low prices strike, ARBOs provide a safety net. Members help one another, and collective resources can be mobilized for recovery. Alone, risks are heavier; together, they are lighter.

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The legal basis for an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) to join an Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization (ARBO) is rooted in the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), primarily under Republic Act 6657 (CARP Law) and its amendment, R.A. 9700, which promote ARB cooperatives and associations for collective empowerment, productivity, and access to resources.

Key supporting bases include:

RA 6657 & RA 9700 – mandate ARB organizations to manage lands and improve livelihoods.

DAR Administrative Orders – set membership rules, requiring a majority of members to be ARBs.

CDA Registration – gives ARBOs legal personality under the Cooperative Code.

Joint DAR–CDA Issuances – clarify requirements and procedures for establishing ARBOs.

ARBO By-laws – ensure compliance with legal and internal governance rules.

Agrarian Reform Credit Program (APCP) – recognizes ARBOs as key channels for credit and support services.

In short, ARB membership in an ARBO is backed by law, DAR and CDA regulations, and organizational by-laws, ensuring that collective action translates into stronger support, resources, and empowerment for beneficiaries.

The Bottom Line

An ARBO is not just another organization—it is your gateway to empowerment, productivity, and prosperity.

By joining and participating, you:

• Make your land more productive

• Secure better incomes

• Access government and private support

• Strengthen your bargaining power

• Build a better future for your family and community

👉 Don’t remain on the sidelines. Be part of your ARBO —because land ownership is only the beginning; collective action is the key to lasting success.

Department of Agrarian Reform PBD Lawyering

 DAR’s PBD lawyering refers to the legal support services provided by the Department of   Agrarian Reform (DAR) under its Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) thrust.

It is part of DAR’s PBD work, where lawyers help ensure that agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations are legally empowered to sustain the land and support services they receive.

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Purpose of PBD Lawyering

• To empower ARBs and ARBOs (agrarian reform beneficiary organizations) by providing them legal support in managing and defending their rights and enterprises.

• To help farmers navigate legal processes in relation to land ownership, tenancy, contracts, and organizational management.

• To complement land distribution with legal empowerment, ensuring ARBs can sustain productivity and avoid landlessness.

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Main Tasks of PBD Lawyering

1. Legal Counseling and Assistance

   • Provide ARBs and cooperatives with advice on contracts, land use agreements, joint ventures, and agribusiness partnerships.

   • Help them understand their rights and obligations under agrarian laws.

2. Contract Review and Documentation

   • Drafting and reviewing legal documents such as lease contracts, marketing agreements, and cooperative by-laws.

   • Ensuring ARBOs enter fair and beneficial arrangements with private investors or buyers.

3. Representation in Legal Matters

   • Assist ARBs in cases involving land disputes, tenancy issues, foreclosure threats, and agribusiness contract violations.

   • Support ARBOs in arbitration or mediation with stakeholders (banks, LGUs, buyers, etc.).

4. Capacity Building / Education

   • Conduct training sessions on legal literacy for ARBs and their leaders.

   • Promote awareness of agrarian reform laws (RA 6657/Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, etc.), cooperative law, and business law.

5. Mediation and Dispute Resolution

   • Provide legal support in resolving conflicts within ARBOs or between ARBOs and external parties, to avoid costly litigation.

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The legal bases for DAR’s PBD lawyering:

1. Republic Act No. 6657 (CARL of 1988, as amended by RA 9700)

• Section 2 – Declares the State policy to promote social justice through agrarian reform, which includes not only land distribution but also support services.

• Section 37 – Mandates DAR, in coordination with other agencies, to deliver support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) such as legal assistance, training, and institutional development.

• This provides the broad mandate for PBD lawyering as part of delivering support services.

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2. Executive Order No. 229 (1987)

• Created the Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) component of CARP, alongside Land Tenure Improvement (LTI) and Agrarian Justice Delivery (AJD).

• Specifically directed DAR to organize and strengthen ARBOs, and provide legal, technical, and institutional support so beneficiaries can sustain land ownership and productivity.

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3. DAR Administrative Orders & Memoranda

• DAR AO No. 9, Series of 1998 – Issued guidelines on agribusiness ventures (Joint Venture Agreements, Contract Growing, etc.) where DAR lawyers assist ARBs in contract negotiation, review, and documentation.

• DAR AO No. 2, Series of 2009 – Strengthened support services and emphasized legal assistance for ARBs entering into partnerships.

• DAR Memorandum Circulars (various years) – Institutionalize “PBD Lawyering” as a function of DAR field lawyers to assist ARBOs in contracts, disputes, and organizational legal matters.

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4. Executive Order No. 129-A (1987)

• Reorganized DAR and affirmed its mandate not only on land distribution but also in providing support services and legal assistance to beneficiaries.

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5. DAR’s Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) Framework

• Within the PBD thrust, PBD Lawyering is explicitly identified as a support mechanism to:

  • Empower ARBOs legally,

  • Protect ARBs from exploitative arrangements,

  • Assist in dispute resolution.

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The legal bases rest on RA 6657 (CARL), EO 229, EO 129-A, and subsequent DAR Administrative Orders. These mandate DAR to provide legal support and protection as part of its Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) to ensure that agrarian reform beneficiaries are not only awarded land but are also legally capacitated to retain and productively use it.

DAR’s PBD lawyering is about protecting and strengthening ARBs’ gains after land distribution—making sure they do not lose their land or get into unfair deals, and that they can fully participate in agribusiness and rural enterprise development.

New Titles, New Responsibilities: Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Cagayan Valley Now Paying Real Property Taxes

Cagayan Valley – For decades, many farmers in the region tilled their lands without the security of full ownership. That changed with the implementation of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and World Bank-assisted Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project, which has been steadily distributing individual land titles to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).

Now, with land titles in their hands, farmers are not only celebrating ownership but also stepping into a new chapter of responsibility: paying real property taxes.

From Collective CLOAs to Individual Titles

Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), many farmers were awarded lands through collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs). While these recognized their rights to land, collective ownership often made it difficult for farmers to use their lands as collateral, pass them on as inheritance, or manage them independently.

Through the SPLIT Project, these collective titles are being subdivided into individual land titles. In Cagayan Valley, thousands of ARBs have already received their long-awaited documents, affirming not just ownership but personal accountability.

Paying Taxes: A Milestone of Ownership

With individual land titles comes the legal obligation to pay real property taxes to local government units. For many ARBs, this is their first time facing such responsibility.

While some may see it as an additional burden, ARBs interviewed during recent title distribution activities view it differently:

• A badge of legitimacy – Paying taxes affirms their rightful claim as landowners.

• Access to services – Tax payments strengthen local revenues, which in turn fund roads, schools, and agricultural support programs.

• Empowerment – Farmers can now enter formal credit systems, mortgage their land for capital, or bequeath it to heirs, with their tax receipts serving as proof of ownership compliance.

Policy and Local Government Impact

DAR officials emphasize that the SPLIT Project is not only about land distribution but also about strengthening land tenure security and integrating farmers into the formal economy. Local governments, in turn, benefit from increased tax collection, allowing for greater investments in rural development.

According to DAR Region II, the growing compliance of ARBs in paying taxes reflects the success of agrarian reform as both a social justice and economic development program.

A New Chapter for Agrarian Reform

The DAR-World Bank SPLIT Project in Cagayan Valley demonstrates that agrarian reform is more than just giving land—it’s about empowering farmers to become responsible citizens, contributors to local development, and active players in the agricultural economy.

For the ARBs of Cagayan Valley, paying real property taxes is more than an obligation; it’s a symbol of pride, dignity, and the fruition of a promise that land truly belongs to the tiller.

Stronger Together: Why Filipino Farmers Should Organize and Join Farmers’ Organizations

A farmer working alone can plant, nurture, and harvest. But a farmer working together with others can do much more—build roads to markets, buy modern equipment, secure better prices, and even influence policies. This is the power of organization.

For agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), who have finally gained ownership of the land they till, the next crucial step is to organize—or join—farmers’ organizations (FOs) or agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs). Here’s why:

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1. Collective Strength and Voice

Individually, a farmer has limited bargaining power. But when farmers organize, they speak with one voice. This strength allows them to negotiate better prices for their products, secure fairer terms from traders, and access government programs more effectively. A united group also becomes more visible in policy discussions, ensuring that farmers’ needs are heard at local and national levels.

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2. Access to Government Support and Services

Many DAR and DA programs, among others—such as credit facilities, farm mechanization, and infrastructure projects—are designed for groups rather than individuals. By joining an FO or ARBO, farmers are able to access training, subsidies, farm machinery, and financing opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. Organized groups are also prioritized in projects like those in DAR, DA, DOST, CDA, etc., which channel resources into group/cluster farming and agribusiness ventures.

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3. Shared Resources and Lower Costs

Farmers in organizations can pool resources to purchase inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides in bulk, reducing costs significantly. They can also share expensive farm machinery and equipment—such as tractors or harvesters—that no single small farmer could afford alone. This increases productivity while reducing individual expenses.

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4. Market Linkages and Higher Incomes

Through collective marketing, farmers’ organizations connect directly with buyers, supermarkets, and even exporters. This eliminates middlemen who often take the lion’s share of profit. Organized farmers can also standardize product quality, synchronize planting schedules, and supply in bulk—making them more attractive to big buyers and increasing their incomes.

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5. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

Farmers’ organizations provide training on modern farming techniques, financial literacy, agribusiness management, and digital tools. Members learn from one another’s experiences, share solutions to common problems, and grow together. For young farmers especially, joining an organization creates opportunities for mentorship and leadership development.

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6. Building Resilience and Security

Climate change, pests, and fluctuating markets all threaten farmers’ livelihoods. Organized groups can establish safety nets like savings programs, insurance schemes, and disaster response mechanisms to support members during hard times. By working together, farmers become less vulnerable to shocks and uncertainties.

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The Future of Farming is Collective

The success of agrarian reform does not end with land ownership. True empowerment happens when farmers work together as a community, transforming small plots into productive clusters and small harvests into competitive enterprises.

For the Filipino farmer, the choice is clear: alone, survival is possible—but together, prosperity is within reach.

Aging Filipino Farmers, Agrarian Reform, and the Future of Philippine Agriculture

When you picture the backbone of our nation, imagine a pair of weathered hands—calloused from years of tilling the soil, planting seeds, and harvesting crops under the unforgiving sun. These are the hands of the Filipino farmer. And yet, today, the average age of those hands is 57 years old.

It is a sobering number. Within a decade, many of these farmers will be too old to carry the burden of feeding over 110 million Filipinos. The question then looms: Who will till the land when they can no longer do so?

The Aging Farmer Crisis

Agriculture has long been regarded as the heart of Philippine society, but it is an aging heart. Younger generations are increasingly turning away from farming, drawn instead to urban jobs or opportunities abroad. They see farming as backbreaking, unprofitable, and disconnected from modern aspirations.

This is the tragedy of perception. For too long, farmers have remained among the poorest in the country, often earning less than the minimum wage, despite their vital role. The absence of secure land ownership, lack of access to modern technology, and limited market linkages have only fueled this cycle of disinterest.

Agrarian Reform: A Promise Taking Root

And yet, hope endures in the soil. Through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and its successor initiatives, hundreds of thousands of farmers—known as agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs)—have finally received legal ownership of the land they till.

Owning land is not just about a piece of paper. It is about dignity, empowerment, and the chance to dream bigger. It transforms farmers from tenants to entrepreneurs. It gives them the courage to invest in better seeds, to mechanize, and to join cooperatives that open the door to larger markets.

Programs like the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project are accelerating this progress, aiming to distribute over 1.38 million hectares of collective land titles into individual ones. Each land title handed over is more than a certificate—it is a seed of hope planted for the next generation.

A Future Worth Cultivating

Agrarian reform alone is not enough. The future of Philippine agriculture depends on making farming attractive again. Imagine farms where young men and women use drones to monitor crops, apps to forecast weather, and cooperatives that link directly with global markets. Imagine farming as a profession that brings not only pride but also prosperity.

This is possible when agrarian reform is paired with investments in training, credit, farm-to-market roads, irrigation, and digital transformation. It is possible when we tell the stories of farmers not as symbols of hardship, but as champions of resilience, innovation, and nation-building.

The Call to the Next Generation

The Philippines cannot afford to let its farmers grow old without successors. Food security, rural development, and national stability all depend on cultivating the next wave of farmers.

And so, the call is clear: to the youth, to policymakers, to private investors, to every Filipino who eats rice every day—support the farmer. Because the future of Philippine agriculture lies not only in machines, policies, or infrastructure, but in ensuring that there will always be hands willing and able to plant the seeds of tomorrow.

For when the last of today’s farmers hangs up his hat, the question will remain: Who will feed the nation?