Distribution of CLOA Titles and CoCRoM in Isabela

CABAGAN, Isabela - On November 22, 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a significant event in Cabagan, Isabela, distributing Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCROM) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). This initiative, under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (Republic Act No. 11953), effectively absolves farmers of their outstanding land amortization debts.

The CoCROM is an official document issued to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) under Republic Act No. 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act.

Purpose of CoCROM: (1) It confirms the condonation (forgiveness) of all unpaid land amortizations, including principal, interests, penalties, and surcharges, incurred by ARBs; (2) It officially releases the mortgage on the land awarded to ARBs, giving them full ownership without financial obligations; (3) It allows farmers to focus on agricultural productivity without the burden of land-related debt. This certificate is being distributed across the Philippines, particularly in agrarian reform communities, as part of the government’s effort to support farmers and enhance the agricultural sector.

Reasons Behind RA 11953 (New Agrarian Emancipation Act). The New Agrarian Emancipation Act was signed into law on July 7, 2023, by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to provide financial relief and support to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). Here are the key reasons behind its enactment: (1) Debt Relief for Farmers - Many ARBs struggled to pay off land amortizations for lands awarded under agrarian reform programs. The law condones all unpaid amortizations, including principal, interest, penalties, and surcharges from land awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and other agrarian reform programs. This affects about 610,054 ARBs covering 1.173 million hectares, with a total of ₱57.56 billion in condoned debt; (2)  Empowering Farmers for Agricultural Productivity - By removing the financial burden, farmers can now focus on improving their farms without worrying about unpaid amortizations. It encourages ARBs to invest in better farming technologies, increase crop production, and contribute more effectively to food security; (3)  Economic Growth & Rural Development - The law supports sustainable agriculture by ensuring that farmers have secure land ownership without financial constraints. This move is expected to boost rural economies by increasing productivity and financial stability among farmers; (4) Continuation of Agrarian Reform Efforts - The law aligns with the government’s ongoing commitment to agrarian reform and social justice. It addresses longstanding issues related to land ownership, tenure security, and the economic challenges faced by ARBs. By enacting RA 11953, the government aims to uplift the lives of Filipino farmers, ensuring land ownership truly leads to agricultural success and rural prosperity.

The ceremony, held at the Josefina T. Albano Cultural Sports Complex, saw the distribution of over 25,000 CoCROMs, benefiting approximately 21,000 ARBs in Isabela. These certificates cover nearly 22,000 hectares of agricultural land, amounting to over ₱1 billion in condoned debts. President Marcos emphasized that with these certificates, farmers are relieved from the burden of land amortization payments, allowing them to focus solely on cultivating and enhancing their lands.

In addition to the CoCROMs, more than 450 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) were distributed to over 340 farmers, encompassing around 500 hectares of land in the province. This effort underscores the government's commitment to accelerating agrarian reform and providing tangible support to the agricultural sector.

President Marcos also urged farmers and fisherfolk to enroll in the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation's programs. This initiative aims to safeguard their livelihoods against potential losses due to natural calamities, ensuring resilience and sustained productivity in the face of environmental challenges.

The event in Cabagan is part of a broader national effort to implement the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which was signed into law in July 2023. The act aims to condone all loans, including interests, penalties, and surcharges, incurred by ARBs from land awarded under various agrarian reform programs. Nationwide, approximately 600,000 farmers are expected to benefit from this legislation, covering more than 1.7 million hectares of agrarian reform lands.

This landmark event signifies a substantial stride toward empowering Filipino farmers, alleviating their financial burdens, and promoting sustainable agricultural development across the nation.

 

DAR leads ground-breaking for CARP-funded FMR in Santa Praxedes, Cagayan

SANTA PRAXEDS - The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office of Cagayan (DARPO-Cagayan) held a groundbreaking ceremony on February 18, 2025 for a new farm-to-market road (FMR) in Barangay San Juan, Santa Praxedes, Cagayan. This initiative aims to enhance the transportation of agricultural products, thereby boosting the local economy and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

The project involves the construction of an almost one-kilometer concrete road that will eventually connect the farming communities of San Juan to the main highway. The FMR, which was funded with an allocation of ₱15 million from the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF), is expected to be completed by June 2025. Once operational, it will significantly reduce farmers' travel time and transportation costs, facilitate easier access to larger markets, and minimize post-harvest losses.

DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Val M. Cristobal emphasized that the FMR aims to empower ARBs towards increased productivity and income which will eventually spur economic growth in the community.

Local farmers have expressed optimism about the project's potential impact. With this new road, harvests can be transported more efficiently, ensuring that fresher produce reaches the market. This development will undoubtedly improve the income and quality of life of ARBs in the community.

The collaboration between DAR and the local government of Santa Praxedes highlights a shared commitment to rural development. Investing in infrastructure projects like this FMR is crucial for the sustainable development of the community. It not only benefits the farmers but also stimulates local commerce and attracts potential investors.

This initiative aligns with DAR's broader mission to support agrarian reform communities (ARCs) by providing essential infrastructure that fosters economic resilience and food security. Similar projects have been implemented nationwide, such as the recent completion of farm-to-market roads in Abulug, Cagayan, which have significantly enhanced local trade and agricultural productivity. As the construction of the San Juan FMR progresses, the community eagerly anticipates the positive changes it will bring.

Farm-to-market roads (FMRs) are a regular program of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) as part of their rural development initiatives. These roads are crucial for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) as they improve access to markets, reduce transportation costs, and enhance agricultural productivity.

DAR implements FMR projects in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Local Government Unit/s (LGU) to ensure better road connectivity in agrarian reform communities (ARCs). These projects are often funded through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) or foreign-assisted programs. FMRs are part of DAR’s commitment to sustainable rural development by providing better infrastructure that supports farmers in remote and underserved areas.

Meeting about FMRs by PARPO II Val M. Cristobal with Mayor Esterlina A. Aguinaldo and MARPO Santiago Mabborang  

Debt-Free Farmers: CoCROM Brings Hope to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Cagayan

SOLANA, Cagayan - The dream of land ownership has finally come full circle for thousands of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Cagayan Province. In December 2024, the government took a historic step in alleviating the financial burdens of farmers by awarding Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage(CoCROM) to over 6,300 ARBs. This momentous event marked the condonation of a staggering ₱392.68 million in land-related debts, freeing farmers from financial obligations that have hindered their progress for decades.

A Milestone in Agrarian Reform. The awarding of CoCROM is part of the implementation of Republic Act11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, signed into law in July 2023. This legislation mandates the condonation of all unpaid amortizations, interests, penalties, and surcharges owed by ARBs who were awarded land under the agrarian reform program. Nationwide, the law benefits over 610,000 farmers, wiping out a total of ₱57.65 billion in agrarian arrears.

The event in Cagayan was graced by Senator Imee R. Marcos, who emphasized the significance of this debt relief initiative. "Wala na kayong kailangan bayaran sa lupang ipinagkaloob sa inyo ng pamahalaan," she declared, highlighting the government's commitment to empowering farmers and ensuring a self-sustaining agricultural sector.

Economic and Social Impact on Farmers. For many ARBs, this development is life-changing. The burden of unpaid land amortizations had long prevented them from fully benefiting from their awarded lands. With their debts erased, farmers can now invest more in productivity, improve their livelihoods, and secure a better future for their families.

"Napakalaking ginhawa po ito para sa amin," shared Ernesto Villanueva, a farmer from Tuguegarao. "Matagal naming pinangarap ang ganitong pagkakataon na tuluyang mapasaatin ang lupang sinasaka namin. Ngayon, mas makakapag-focus na kami sa pagtatanim at pag-unlad."

The debt relief is expected to stimulate economic activity in the region, as farmers will have greater financial flexibility to purchase better farming equipment, increase crop production, and expand their agricultural ventures. Additionally, with the removal of financial constraints, ARBs can now access government support services such as farm-to-market road development, irrigation projects, and livelihood assistance programs.

Strengthening Agrarian Reform Support Services. The issuance of CoCROM is just one of the many efforts by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to strengthen the agrarian reform program in Cagayan. Complementing debt condonation are infrastructure projects, farm modernization initiatives, and capacity-building programs for farmers.

DAR-Cagayan has been actively implementing various support services, including the distribution of farm machinery, establishment of farm cooperatives, and technical training on modern farming practices. These initiatives ensure that ARBs are not only relieved of financial burdens but also empowered to maximize the potential of their lands.

A Brighter Future for Cagayan Farmers. With the implementation of CoCROM, the future looks promising for agrarian reform beneficiaries in Cagayan. By freeing farmers from the weight of unpaid amortizations, the government has paved the way for more inclusive agricultural growth and rural development. This initiative reaffirms the country's commitment to social justice and economic progress, ensuring that ARBs are given the support they need to thrive.

As the farmers of Cagayan embrace this new chapter, their resilience, hard work, and dedication to the land will undoubtedly contribute to a stronger and more productive agricultural sector—one that benefits not just them but the entire nation as well.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed 6,803 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) to 6,300 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from the province of Cagayan condoning a total debt of P392,675,939 covering 6,303 hectares

The event was likewise attended by Cagayan province Gov. Manuel N. Mamba and DAR officials. 

In December 2024, Cagayan province took a historic step in alleviating the financial burdens of farmers by awarding Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage(CoCROM) to over 6,300 ARBs

 The event marked the condonation of a staggering ₱392.68 million in land-related debts, freeing farmers from financial obligations. 

The distribution activity, led by Senator Imee Marcos and Agrarian Reform Regional Director Primo
Lara was held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Municipal Gymnasium of Solana.

 

DAR Region 02 Regional Director Primo C. Lara: RA 11953 condones all loans, including interest, penalties, and surcharges incurred by ARBs.

DARPO-Cagayan officials and employees cheerfully witness the successful implementation of RA 11953. 

DAR-Cagayan Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) for CARP beneficiaries

The Department of Agrarian Reform's Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (DAR-CRFPS) program in Cagayan province is an initiative aimed at helping agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations (ARBOs) adapt to the effects of climate change. The program provides essential farming support, such as:  (1) Farm inputs and equipment – Seeds, fertilizers, and machinery to enhance productivity; (2) Sustainable livelihood projects – Support for agrarian communities in establishing climate-resilient agricultural enterprises; (3) Capacity-building and training – Educating farmers on climate-smart farming techniques. 

The key Goals of DAR-CRFPS are: to increase farm productivity despite climate challenges, enhance food security in agrarian communities and empower ARBOs to become more self-sustaining. 

In the heart of Cagayan province, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is making significant strides to bolster agricultural resilience through its Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) program. This initiative is designed to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agrarian communities, ensuring that farmers not only survive but thrive amidst environmental challenges.

For instance, In January 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic), DAR distributed essential farm supplies and inputs to five Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in Cagayan. Each organization received 101 bags of hybrid seeds (rice and corn) and organic fertilizers under the CRFPS-Sustainable Livelihood Project/Enterprise (CRFPS-SLP/E) program, amounting to a total of ₱1,350,000. The recipient ARBOs included: Salamin Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SMPC) of Tuao; Rang-ay ti Pussian MPC of Alcala; MBG Farmers Irrigators Credit Cooperative of Rizal; Lasvinag MPC of Gattaran; and Payagan Farmers Credit Cooperative of Ballesteros.

The CRFPS-SLP/E project aims to minimize the adverse effects of climate change in agrarian reform communities, helping farmers become more resilient. The project also serves as a starting kit to establish agri-enterprises for the recipient ARBOs.

William Olang of Salamin MPC in Tuao expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are so grateful that DAR has been always there to support us from land distribution to support services. DAR never failed to provide our needs, a total package of intervention which differentiates DAR from other national government agencies."

In Cagayan province, DAR-CRFPS has assisted multiple ARBOs by distributing hybrid seeds, organic fertilizers, and farm tools to help farmers cope with climate-related challenges and boost agricultural productivity.

Beyond providing immediate agricultural inputs, the CRFPS program emphasizes sustainable livelihood projects and enterprises, enabling ARBOs to establish agri-enterprises that can withstand climatic adversities. This holistic approach ensures that support extends beyond mere resource distribution, focusing on long-term sustainability and economic growth.

The success of the CRFPS program in Cagayan province underscores DAR's commitment to empowering agrarian communities. By equipping farmers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support, DAR is paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in the region.

Links: 

• Payagan Farmers Cooperative tractor turnover. 
• DARPO-Cagayan distributes CRFPS FMEs 
• Cagayan ARBOs receive farm machineries
• PATASDA ARC Tulay ng Pangulo
• DAR Tulay ng Pangulo and FMEs distribution
• Amulung Farm-to-Market Roads 
• Gattaran Farm-to-Market Road
• Abulug Farm-to-Market Roads

DAR gets green light for PBBM bridges project with Php28B

The "Pang-Agraryong Tulay Para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka" (PBBM) Bridges Project is an initiative by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) designed to improve connectivity and access for agrarian reform communities (ARCs) throughout the Philippines. With an allocated budget of approximately ₱28.243 billion, the project aims to construct around 350 modular steel bridges, totaling about 10,500 linear meters in length.

Key Objectives of the PBBM Bridges Project: (1) Improve Mobility - facilitate easier and more efficient transportation for farmers and residents within ARCs; (2) Enhance Market Access - provide farmers with better access to markets, thereby reducing logistics costs and increasing income opportunities; (3) Boost Productivity - by improving infrastructure, the project aims to increase the productivity and income of at least 350,000 households; and (4) Access to Social Services - ensure that communities have better access to essential social services such as healthcare and education.

As of November 2023, DAR has identified and validated 354 potential sites for these bridges, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and local government units.

This project aligns with the socio-economic agenda of the Marcos Jr. administration, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028, aiming to promote countryside development and improve the quality of life for those in the agricultural sector.

In Cagayan province, the DAR Provincial Office has submitted and validated at least five (5) proposed PBBM bridges located with the agrarian reform communities. Overall, the PBBM Bridges Project is a strategic effort to strengthen the agricultural infrastructure of the Philippines, ensuring that agrarian communities are better connected and more economically resilient.

DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III expressed his gratitude for the NEDA Board's approval and assured that the project is set for completion in 2026. The Department of Agrarian Reform – Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Office (DAR FASPO) will lead the initiative. He further emphasized that the PBBM Bridges Project will be executed with precision, supporting rural development and contributing to a "matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay" for all Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).