ARBs under RA 11953 (New Agrarian Emancipation Act) receive free crop insurance through PCIC via RSBSA registration.

Republic Act No. 11953, also known as the "New Agrarian Emancipation Act", is a Philippine law signed on July 7, 2023, that condones all unpaid debts of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) related to land awarded under agrarian reform programs. It cancels debts related to land amortizations, including interest, penalties, and surcharges. It applies to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) with land under PD 27, RA 6657, and other related laws. It frees land titles (e.g., CLOAs) from mortgage liens tied to unpaid obligations. It aims to help ARBs fully own their land and improve agricultural productivity. In short, RA 11953 gives ARBs a fresh start by making their awarded land debt-free and mortgage-free.

A Certificate of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (COCROM) under RA 11953 is an official document issued to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) whose land-related debts have been condoned. COCROM is the legal proof that an ARB's financial obligation is wiped clean and their land is fully theirs, debt-free and unencumbered.

One of the mandates of RA 11953 is the RSBSA registration requirement of ARBs to receive government support, including the PCIC premium subsidy. An ARB must be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Participation - Crop Insurance Program. All ARBs are entitled to 100% premium subsidy for those insured under RSBSA - meaning ARBs don’t need to pay premiums.

The impact of PCIC crop insurance on RSBSA-registered agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs):  

1. Free Insurance Coverage. ARBs registered in RSBSA are automatically eligible for 100% government-subsidized crop insurance through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). Covers rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and non-crop assets (e.g., tools, facilities).

2. Protection Against Loss. Provides financial compensation in case of: Natural disasters (typhoons, floods, drought), Pests and diseases, and Accidental fire or damage.

3. Reduces Risk for Small Farmers. Insurance reduces financial vulnerability, allowing ARBs to recover faster after crop failures. Encourages continued planting and investment in better farming practices.

4. Improves Access to Credit. With insurance coverage, ARBs become more creditworthy to banks and cooperatives. Reduces lending risk for financial institutions.

PCIC crop insurance, when combined with RSBSA registration, gives ARBs a safety net against agricultural losses, improves their access to government support and financing, and helps ensure sustainable livelihoods.

 LINKS:

RSBSA Insurance Program

RSBSA Registration and Updating

RSBSA Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

PBBM distributes 26,285 Certificates of Condonation 1,170 CLOAs to farmers

Cabagan, Isabela — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. visited Cabagan, Isabela on November 22, 2024 to personally lead the ceremonial distribution of Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), underscoring his administration’s commitment to equitable land distribution and rural development.

The event, held at the Cabagan Coliseum, gathered hundreds of farmer-beneficiaries, local officials, and national agency representatives to witness a significant milestone in the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) efforts under the Marcos administration. The ceremony was part of the broader initiative under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (RA 11953) signed into law by President Marcos in July 2023, which aims to condone the debt of farmers and provide them with full land ownership.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III led the distribution of 26,285 Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) to 21,496 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) condoning a total of P1.164 billion in loans from the provinces of Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino of Region 2, on November 22, 2024, at Doña Josefa T. Albano Gymnasium, Centro, Cabagan, Isabela.

President Marcos also assured the farmers of the government’s continuous support especially those who have been struck by the recent series of typhoons.

Significance of the CoCRoM and CLOA Distribution

The CoCRoM and CLOA documents serve as legal instruments that formalize the transfer of agricultural land to qualified beneficiaries. The CoCRoM, in particular, addresses long-standing land issues from the Martial Law period, effectively correcting historical injustices by reaffirming rightful ownership. Meanwhile, CLOAs are awarded to ARBs to affirm their legal right to till and manage parcels of land as productive stewards.

During the event, the President likewise distributed a total of 1,170 Electronic Titles (E-titles) under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) under the regular (Land Acquisition and Distribution) program to 918 ARBs covering a total of 1,133.4261 hectares of land.

President Marcos Jr.'s Message to the Farmers

In his speech, President Marcos emphasized the central role of farmers in national development and food security. He stated: “Ang araw na ito ay patunay ng ating pangakong pagbibigay-lakas sa ating mga magsasaka. Hindi lamang ito simpleng dokumento—ito ay simbolo ng inyong pagmamay-ari at karapatan sa lupang inyong sinasaka.” (“Today marks the fulfillment of our promise to empower our farmers. These are not just documents—they are symbols of your ownership and right to the land you cultivate.”)

President Marcos also reiterated his administration’s drive to improve agricultural productivity, reduce rural poverty, and strengthen farmer support services such as irrigation, farm-to-market roads, mechanization, and access to credit and training.

Support from the Department of Agrarian Reform

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III joined the President in distributing the documents and highlighted the department’s accelerated processing of land titles and implementation of support programs to ensure the success of ARBs. He acknowledged the decades-long struggle of many farmers and stressed the importance of providing them not only with land but also with the tools and knowledge to improve their livelihoods. 

Local Government and Community Response

Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III and Cabagan Mayor Christopher Mamauag expressed their gratitude for the President’s visit and for choosing Isabela as a site for the continuing rollout of agrarian reform initiatives. Local leaders committed to aligning municipal resources to support ARBs through cooperative development, agro-industrial initiatives, and agricultural training.

Farmers present at the event expressed emotional gratitude, with many sharing stories of their long wait for land ownership and how these certificates would change the course of their families’ futures.

The CoCRoM and CLOA distribution in Cabagan marks a powerful statement: that land reform is not merely a policy, but a moral imperative. Through direct engagement with farmer communities and swift implementation of legal land transfers, the government is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and productive agricultural sector in the Philippines.

The President's presence in Isabela further cements his commitment to ensuring that the fruits of agrarian reform reach even the most rural corners of the nation, promising not just land, but also dignity, opportunity, and hope.

READ eBook/flipbook version: PBBM distributes 26,285 Certificates of Condonation 1,170 CLOAs to farmers 

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.

 

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.