The Department of Agrarian Reform in the Caraga Region (DAR-13) and its provincial office in Agusan del Norte facilitated the release of land titles and condonation of loans to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) on Saturday.

A total of 1,486 land titles covering some 1,860.5647 hectares of agricultural lands were released to 1,030 ARBs from 10 towns and two cities.

The distribution is part of the promise made by DAR Sec. Conrado Estrella III to release at least 50,000 land titles to ARBs before the year ends.

DAR Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan and DAR-13 Director Merlita Capinpuyan led the distribution activity.

Among the ARBs who received a land title was Ruben Aliño, 68, a resident of Barangay Maguinda, Butuan City.

“Finally, the DAR has released the title of my land covering more than a hectare. I am thankful to the government [for helping me realize] my dream. Now, I am a certified land owner, a farmer who owns the land he tills,” Aliño said in an interview.

Aside from the distribution of land titles, the DAR also released 517 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM) to 381 ARBs in the total amount of PHP10,948,576.86.

The release of the COCROM, the first in the Caraga Region, is mandated by Republic Act 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act signed by President Ferdinand R. Marco Jr. in July 2023. (PNA)