The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has awarded certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) to 57 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Sagay City. The ARBs are recognized as legal landowners of the property they were cultivating under these CLOAs.

This project is in keeping with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s marching orders, as instructed by DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, to transfer agricultural lands to landless farmers. In this example, qualifying ARBs who had been tilling the ground for years were given 21 hectares of agricultural land.

Ramon Silvino, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer, conveyed his greetings to the new landowners during the awards ceremony. “Today you have ownership of the lands you once tilled for many years; may these lands prosper as new landowners.”

This move by the DAR is a step towards achieving a more equitable distribution of agricultural lands in the country. It gives hope to landless farmers who have been working on lands they do not own, and empowers them to make better decisions for the future of their families and communities.

He also reminded the ARBs that as owners of land, they have to pay their taxes regularly and avoid involvement in any illegal arrangements that may lead to their disqualification as beneficiaries of the land.

The property was formerly managed by Nonata Jesena and was identified by Title Number T-250102. It covers Lot No. 8 and spans 21.3662 hectares, situated at Barangay Andres Bonifacio in Sagay City.