Court Orders Government to Pay ₱28.48 Billion to Hacienda Luisita

In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeals (CA) has mandated the Philippine government to compensate Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) with ₱28.48 billion for 4,500 hectares of land redistributed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). This decision overturns a previous valuation of ₱304 million by the Tarlac Regional Trial Court, which the CA deemed insufficient and not in line with Section 17 of the CARP law, emphasizing the need for "real, substantial, full, ample, just and fair" compensation.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Land Bank of thePhilippines (LBP) were directed to pay the amount as of April 30, 2025, with interest accruing until full payment is made. However, LBP has clarified its non-liability, stating it was removed as a party to the case in 2024 and serves solely as a custodian of public funds.

The DAR has filed a motion for reconsideration, arguing that the CA's valuation did not adequately consider the factors outlined in the CARP law. If denied, the department may elevate the case to the Supreme Court.

This ruling is the latest development in the protracted legal battle over Hacienda Luisita, a sugar estate owned by the Cojuangco family. The Supreme Court had previously ordered the distribution of the land to farmer-beneficiaries in 2012, with compensation to be based on the 1989 land valuation.

As the case continues, it remains a focal point in discussions about land reform and equitable compensation in the Philippines.

• The case revolves around the just compensation owed to HLI for lands distributed to farmers under CARP. 

• The Previous Ruling:

  The Tarlac City Regional Trial Court (acting as a Special Agrarian Court) previously affirmed a valuation of P304 million plus interest, set by Landbank and adopted by DAR. 

• The CA's Decision:

  The CA ruled that this valuation was insufficient and ordered a higher payment based on valuation guidelines outlined in Republic Act 6657, taking into account factors like actual production data and delayed payment. 

• Landbank's Position:

  While Landbank acknowledges the CA's decision, it emphasizes that the ruling is not yet final and that it will comply with any final court directives. 

• DAR's Role:

  DAR has already filed a motion for reconsideration and is awaiting a resolution. If the motion is denied, DAR may elevate the case to the Supreme Court. 

• Significance:

  This decision is significant because it addresses the long-standing issue of land distribution at Hacienda Luisita and the fair compensation owed to the landowner. It also highlights the complexities involved in determining just compensation in agrarian reform cases. 

CSU-Carig Campus and ISU-San Mateo Campus bag major awards in DAR regional PelikulAgraryo 2025.

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region 02 has launched PelikulAgraryo 2025, a regional short film competition aimed at showcasing the transformative journeys of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations through student-led storytelling.

With the theme “Pag-ani sa mga Pangarap: Mga Kuwento ng Pag-asa at Tagumpay sa Agraryo” (Harvest of Dreams: Stories of Hope and Success in Agrarian Reform), the initiative invites tertiary-level students enrolled in communication and media-related courses across Region 02 to produce 10–15 minute films that highlight the real-life experiences of ARBs and agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs). 

DAR Regional Director Primo C. Lara emphasized that the festival serves as a platform to bridge generational divides, making agrarian reform issues relatable and emotionally resonant, especially for the youth. 

The competition features two categories: the ARB Category, focusing on individual beneficiaries, and the ARBO Category, highlighting the achievements of organizations involved in DAR programs. Regional winners from each category will receive ₱30,000 and will advance to the national finals, where they stand a chance to win ₱60,000. Additionally, eight special awards with monetary prizes will be conferred at the regional level. 

A total of nine (9) entries were accepted from the students of state colleges and universities within Region 02 for the contest. Regional judging took place on June 11, with the awarding ceremony held on June 28. The top films will proceed to the national finals, where they will compete under the same theme. 

This initiative is part of DAR's broader effort to engage the youth in agrarian reform, encouraging them to become storytellers and advocates for rural development. Through PelikulAgraryo 2025, DAR aims to humanize land reform policies and inspire a new generation to appreciate and participate in the ongoing transformation of the agricultural sector.

Winners (Regional Level):

Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) category: 

1st Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

2nd Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

3rd Place: Quirino State University - Diffun Campus

Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) Category: 

1st Place: Isabela State University - San Mateo Campus

2nd Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

3rd Place: Cagayan State University - Carig Campus

Entries for the ARBO category

Entries for the ARB category

The short film Dalawamput Dalawang Krisantemo by Cagayan State University-Carig Campus won the regional Best Film under the ARBO category.

The short film BUNGA by Isabela State University-San Mateo Campus won the Best Film under the ARB category. 

Regional Winners under the ARBO category. 

Regional winners under the ARB category. 

Dalayap Coco Jam: The Sweet Heart of Allacapan

Nestled in the rural barangay of Dalayap, Allacapan, Cagayan, lies a humble story of transformation, where coconut trees sway, and community spirit thrives. Here, amid rice paddies and vegetable plots, a group of dedicated women from a local agrarian cooperative have crafted something truly special: Dalayap Coco Jam.

🌾 From Barangay to Breakfast Table. Dalayap is a small barangay of just over 600 residents, with farming as its backbone, around 80 % of households till the land for rice, vegetables, corn, and coconuts. It’s in this fertile setting that coco jam was born—not just as food, but as a lifeline and a source of collective pride.

🍯 A Sweet Tradition Revived. Using coconut milk and brown sugar, boiled low and slow over wood-fired stoves, the women churn out a velvety spread that’s rich, naturally sweet, and dairy-free. The result? A beautifully caramelized jam that glistens under the morning sun—a taste that brings memories of warm pandesal breakfasts and heartfelt conversation.

🤝 A Community United. What began as a home kitchen project quickly blossomed into a cooperative endeavor. Through support from the Department of Agrarian Reform’s livelihood-development programs, such as the Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) Project, these women received training in food safety, packaging, and branding. Working together in shared facilities, they ensure consistency, quality, and a story behind every jar.

🌍 Farms to Fairs — With Heart. Their coco jam travels beyond Dalayap’s humble roads. It has made its way to Allacapan’s town fairs, local Kadiwa markets, and even regional showcases like the National Agraryo Trade Fair. Each jar carries more than sweetness—it carries a community’s resilience, its heritage, and the promise of sustainable rural development.

💛 The Ripple Effect. *Healthier choice: Made from all-natural ingredients—coconut milk, brown sugar, no preservatives, ideal for modern, health-conscious consumers.

*Women-led growth: Managed by local agrarian women, the enterprise uplifts household incomes and fosters financial independence.

*Sustainable farming: Uses coconuts grown in local backyards, promoting biodiversity and reducing reliance on monocrops.

*Pride & identity: Each jar tells a story of Dalayap—its coconut groves, its hardworking families, and its vibrant culture.

✨ Tasting Notes & Traditions

Try Dalayap Coco Jam:

* Warmed atop fresh pandesal or rice cakes.

* Stirred into oatmeal for a tropical twist.

* As filling for local pastries—mini ensaymadas, bibingka, or scones.

* Straight from the spoon, when you need a simple, sweet moment.

💬 Voices of Dalayap. The smiles of the women who produce it tell the real story. Teams open jars, exchange family anecdotes, and talk about dreams, plans to expand, (already FDA certification), or supply cafés in Tuguegarao. For them, coco jam isn’t just food—it’s proof that community effort makes sweetness.

Dalayap Coco Jam isn’t your ordinary spread. It’s home, heritage, and hope—bottled. With every spoonful, you savor the flavor of Dalayap’s soil, the warmth of its people, and the promise of rural renewal.

Empowering Agrarian Reform Communities: DAR's VLFED Boosts Abulug Highway AR Cooperative

Abulug, Cagayan — Along the thriving rural roadways of northern Cagayan, the Abulug Highway Agrarian Reform Cooperative is steadily transforming into a model of grassroots enterprise through the Department of Agrarian Reform's (DAR) Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) Project.

The VLFED initiative, a banner enterprise support program under DAR, is aimed at strengthening agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) by enhancing their agri-based enterprise capabilities through facility provision, technical assistance, and value-chain integration. In Abulug, this has become a game-changer.

The Abulug Highway Agrarian Reform Cooperative, known for its innovative pineapple vinegar production, received strategic support from DAR–Cagayan, enabling the cooperative to scale up operations, improve product packaging, and ensure food safety compliance. With better processing facilities and sustained training on financial management and marketing, members of the cooperative now stand prouder behind their product, reaching new markets while creating local employment.

The VLFED project is more than just infrastructure or training. It empowers our ARBOs to take ownership of their enterprise journey. The Abulug Highway Cooperative is proof that with the right support, local agrarian communities can compete and thrive.

The project has also opened doors for potential partnerships with local government units, microfinance institutions, and distributors, bridging the gap between farm-level production and market access.

For the members of the cooperative, many of whom are agrarian reform beneficiaries, the VLFED support is not just an investment in enterprise—it is an investment in dignity, self-reliance, and a better future for their families.

DAR intensifies its legal measures vs premature and illegal agricultural land conversions

Illegal land use conversion remains a significant concern in the Philippines, particularly regarding the unauthorized transformation of agricultural lands into non-agricultural uses without the necessary approvals.

Current Status and Challenges

Continued Unauthorized Conversions: Despite existing regulations, instances of illegal land conversions persist. These unauthorized activities often involve the premature development of agricultural lands for residential or commercial purposes without securing the required conversion orders from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Such practices threaten food security and undermine agrarian reform efforts.

Legislative Efforts: The proposed National Land Use Act (NLUA), aimed at harmonizing land use policies and providing a comprehensive framework for land use planning, remains pending in the Senate as of May 2025. The absence of this law contributes to inconsistencies in land use decisions and enforcement across different regions.

DAR's Enforcement Measures: The DAR has intensified its efforts to curb illegal land conversions by issuing cease and desist orders, conducting site inspections, and initiating legal actions against violators. For instance, in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the DAR has taken steps to prevent premature and unauthorized land conversions.

 

Legal Framework

Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (Republic Act No. 6657), specifically Section 65, the conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses requires prior approval from the DAR. Unauthorized conversions are considered illegal and are penalized under Section 73 of the same law. The 2002 Comprehensive Rules on Land Use Conversion further define illegal conversion as the act of changing the current use of agricultural land into non-agricultural uses without the required order of conversion from the DAR.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has implemented significant updates to its land use conversion policies through Administrative Order (AO) No. 03, Series of 2021, and its amendment AO No. 03-A. These revisions aim to streamline the conversion process, enhance transparency, and strengthen enforcement against unauthorized conversions.

🔑 Key Provisions of DAR AO No. 03 & 03-A (Series of 2021)

1. Streamlined Application Process

Digital Filing: Applicants can now submit land use conversion applications electronically, reducing the need for physical submissions and expediting the process.

Reduced Bureaucracy: The requirement for clearances from agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been removed. DAR now solely evaluates conversion applications, significantly shortening processing times.

2. Enhanced Enforcement Against Illegal Conversions

Mandatory Conversion Order: Changing the use of agricultural land without a DAR-issued conversion order is explicitly prohibited. Unauthorized conversions are considered illegal and are subject to penalties under Section 73 of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (RA 6657).

Performance Bond Requirement: Applicants must post a performance bond to deter premature land development before obtaining official conversion approval.

Public Notice: Applicants are required to install visible billboards (4x8 feet) on the property, informing the public of the pending conversion application. This measure promotes transparency and allows for community feedback.

3. Protection of Agricultural Lands

Non-Negotiable Areas: Certain lands, such as those under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), mossy and virgin forests, riverbanks, and swamp forests, are strictly non-convertible to preserve ecological balance and food security.

Highly Restricted Areas: Lands with Notices of Land Valuation and Acquisition or those under Voluntary Land Transfer/Direct Payment Scheme agreements are highly restricted from conversion to protect the rights of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

4. Specific Rules for CLOA Lands

Five-Year Cultivation Rule: Agrarian reform beneficiaries must cultivate the land for at least five years before applying for conversion. Additionally, the land must be fully paid, and the area should have become urbanized or no longer economically viable for agriculture.

Ten-Year Alienation Restriction: Even after conversion, CLOA lands cannot be sold or transferred to non-qualified individuals within ten years from the registration date without DAR clearance.

These updated rules reflect DAR's commitment to balancing agricultural land preservation with the country's developmental needs. By streamlining procedures and enforcing stricter regulations against illegal conversions, the department aims to protect agrarian reform beneficiaries and ensure sustainable land use.

 

Implications

Illegal land use conversions have far-reaching implications, including the displacement of farmers, loss of agricultural productivity, and threats to food security. The continued vigilance of regulatory bodies, coupled with the enactment of comprehensive land use legislation, is crucial in addressing these challenges.

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.panaynews.net/dar-warns-against-premature-illegal-land-conversion-in-wv/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "DAR warns against premature, illegal land conversion in WV"

[2] https://www.lawyer-philippines.com/articles/land-use-conversion-for-cloa-title?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Land Use Conversion for CLOA Title - Respicio & Co."

[3] https://pia.gov.ph/dar-intensifies-legal-measures-vs-agricultural-land-conversion/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "DAR intensifies legal measures vs agricultural land conversion"

[4]: https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2021/07/19/383521/dar-allows-digital-filing-of-land-conversion-applications/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "DAR allows digital filing of land conversion applications"

[5]: https://creba.ph/new-land-conversion-rules-to-boost-economic-recovery/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "New Land Conversion Rules to Boost Economic Recovery - CREBA"

[6]: https://media.dar.gov.ph/source/2021/07/06/ao-03-amending-certain-provisions-of-the-comprehensive-rules-on-land-use-conversion-under-dar-ao-no-1-series-of-2002-and-certain-provisions-on-dar-ao-no-1-series-of-2019-and-dar-ao-no-6-series-of-2019-to.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com "[PDF] administrative order no. 03 - Department of Agrarian Reform"

[7]: https://www.scribd.com/document/612805337/Partially-Revised-By-AO-3-s-2021-Comprehensive-Rules-on-Land-Use-Conversion-FINAL?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Partially Revised-By AO 3 S 2021 Comprehensive Rules On Land ..."

[8]: https://www.lawyer-philippines.com/articles/land-use-conversion-for-cloa-title?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Land Use Conversion for CLOA Title - Respicio & Co."

 

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Embrace Drone Technology to Revolutionize Rice Farming

In a transformative move towards modernizing agriculture, agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across the Philippines are increasingly adopting drone technology to enhance rice production. This shift is part of the government's broader initiative to promote precision agriculture, aiming to increase yields, reduce costs, and attract younger generations to farming.

In the rice paddies of Nueva Ecija, a quiet revolution is unfolding. It's not marked by loud protests or sweeping land reforms, but by the soft hum of propellers slicing through the air. These are not toys or tech novelties—they are agricultural drones, and for thousands of smallholder farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), they represent the future of farming.

From Hand Tools to High-Tech. For decades, agrarian reform in the Philippines has focused on redistributing land to landless farmers. While land ownership is a critical step toward equity, it has not always guaranteed prosperity. Many ARBs have continued to face poverty, largely due to high labor costs, low productivity, and limited access to modern technologies.

Now, with the introduction of drone technology through government and NGO initiatives, that paradigm is beginning to shift.

“Before, we needed five workers to plant seeds on one hectare. Now, a drone can finish it in under 30 minutes,” says Ricardo Santos, a 48-year-old farmer from Isabela and member of a local ARB cooperative. “We save money, time, and we can do it without exhausting ourselves.”

The Drones4RiceProject: Pioneering Precision Agriculture. Launched in April 2024, the Drones4Rice Project is a collaborative effort between the International RiceResearch Institute (IRRI) and the Department of Agriculture-Philippine RiceResearch Institute (DA-PhilRice). The project focuses on developing standardized protocols for drone applications in seeding, fertilization, and pesticide spraying. By implementing these protocols, the initiative seeks to optimize input usage, leading to higher yields and cost efficiency for farmers.

Collaborative Efforts and Support. The Drones4Rice Project is also supported by various stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), and the CivilAviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). These collaborations aim to streamline regulations and facilitate the widespread adoption of drone technology among smallholder farmers.

Government Support and Subsidies. Recognizing the potential of drone technology, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated ₱300 million to support its commercial application. Through a voucher system, organized groups such as rice clusters, irrigators' associations, farmers' cooperatives, and ARB organizations can access drone services. Each beneficiary is entitled to a ₱2,000 voucher per hectare, covering comprehensive drone-assisted farming operations from pre-flight planning to pest and disease control.

Objectives and Scope. The project focuses on developing standardized protocols for drone-assisted applications in rice production, including seeding, fertilization, and pesticide spraying. By establishing these protocols, Drones4Rice aims to optimize input usage, enhance crop yields, and reduce labor costs, thereby promoting precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

Implementation and Benefits. Drones equipped with advanced sensors are utilized to monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, and apply inputs precisely. This technology enables real-time data collection, allowing for informed decision-making and efficient resource management. The adoption of drones is particularly beneficial in addressing challenges such as labor shortages and high production costs, which are prevalent in the Philippine rice farming sector.

Efficiency and Cost Reduction. The adoption of drones has significantly improved farming efficiency. For instance, drone seeding can complete crop establishment in just 20 minutes per hectare, compared to half a day or more using traditional methods. This rapid deployment not only saves time but also reduces labor costs by up to 50%. Additionally, drone-assisted operations have demonstrated higher yields; a study showed that drone-seeded fields produced 6.85 tons per hectare, surpassing the 6.38 tons achieved through manual broadcasting.

Empowering Farmers and Promoting Inclusivity. Beyond efficiency, drone technology is empowering farmers by reducing the physical demands of farming, making it more accessible to women and the youth. The ease of operating drones for tasks like seeding and fertilization is encouraging more individuals to participate in agriculture, promoting gender inclusivity and rejuvenating the farming workforce.

Women and Youth in the Fields—Again. Perhaps one of the most powerful impacts of drone adoption has been social. Farming, once seen as a physically grueling and low-prestige profession, is being reimagined as a modern, tech-enabled enterprise.

“Drones have made farming attractive again, especially for young people,” says Angelica Ramos, a 26-year-old ARB and agribusiness graduate who now manages a drone service cooperative in Bukidnon. “We used to think we had to leave the farm to succeed. Now, the farm is where the future is.”

Women, too, are stepping into leadership roles in drone operations, as the technology lessens the need for brute strength and rewards technical skills and organizational savvy.

Regulation and Safety Measures. To ensure the safe and effective use of drones in agriculture, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) is developing regulations and protocols. These measures aim to safeguard users, consumers, and the environment, while also preventing potential misuse of drone technology.

Challenges and the Road Ahead. While the benefits are clear, challenges remain. Not all ARBs have immediate access to drone services, especially in remote areas. There's also a learning curve—farmers need training not just in how to operate drones, but how to interpret the data they provide.

To address this, Drones4Rice and its partners have launched capacity-building programs that include hands-on training, certification, and community-level workshops. Pilot sites in Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and Iloilo have become models of success.

A Glimpse into the Future. The integration of drone technology into Philippine agriculture marks a significant step towards modernization. As ARBs continue to embrace these innovations, the country moves closer to achieving sustainable and efficient farming practices, ensuring food security and improved livelihoods for its farmers.

As the Philippine agriculture sector grapples with the impacts of climate change, aging farmers, and global competition, drone technology offers more than just convenience—it offers resilience and hope.

“We’ve always worked hard,” says Santos, shading his eyes to watch a drone sweep across the sky. “Now, with these new tools, our hard work is finally paying off.”

In the skies above Philippine rice fields, drones buzz quietly, almost humbly. But on the ground, their presence is anything but silent. For agrarian reform beneficiaries reclaiming not just land but dignity and opportunity, these machines are heralds of a new, more equitable agricultural era.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Information Agency

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.