PBBM: Over 30K land titles distributed to ARBs Jan-May

He handed over 2,115 CLOAs covering 3,328.0973 hectares of land and benefitting 1,965 ARBs in the provinces of Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. (File photo: Joan Bondoc via Philippine News Agency/Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday reported that the government has distributed nearly 30,000 certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) and electronic titles (e-titles) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across the country during the first five months of the year.

In his speech during the distribution of land titles, support services and presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and families in Pili, Camarines Sur, Marcos said the target is to distribute 36,000 additional land titles before the year ends.

“Magsisilbing tulay ang certificates of land ownership award at ang mga e-titles na ito tungo sa mas marami pang oportunidad nang sa gayon ay [mapagtagumpayan ninyo] ang mga pagsubok na hinaharap ninyo — sa pagsubok sa buhay at matupad ang inyong mga pangarap (These certificates of land ownership award and e-titles would serve as a bridge to greater opportunities, allowing you to overcome challenges in your life and fulfill your dreams),” Marcos said.

He handed over 2,115 CLOAs covering 3,328.0973 hectares of land and benefitting 1,965 ARBs in the provinces of Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.

Aside from the distribution of land titles, Marcos said the government will provide more than 617 farm machinery and equipment worth PHPP20.66 million to prop up agriculture production in Camarines Sur.

He also reported the completion of eight farm-to-market roads that will be vital in linking farmers and consumers.

In addition, the President mentioned that there are nine farm-to-market roads that are being constructed in different parts of the Bicol region.

He assured that the government will help the farmers who were affected by the El Niño phenomenon, recognizing the PHP500-million loss incurred by over 8,000 families in 900 villages in the region.

“Hindi namin hahayaan na harapin ninyo nang nag-iisa ang mga hamon ng El Niño. Nandito kami para patuloy na umagapay sa inyo (We won’t let you face the challenges of El Niño alone. We are here to support you),” he said.

He said around PHP60 million worth of financial aid under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) has been distributed in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.

Improving country’s agri sector

Marcos said the long-term plans of the Department of Agriculture (DA) include the construction of farm-to-market roads, expansion of fishery and agricultural lands, improvement of irrigation system and other infrastructures that support agriculture value chain.

The DA is also pushing for science-based and climate-resilient farming technologies, as well as the construction of agro-processing facilities in Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development areas.

Also part of DA’s initiatives are financial assistance to farmers such as loans, insurance, in addition to enticing investors to put their money in the agriculture sector for capitalization.

“Naniniwala ako sa potensyal nitong baguhin ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino kaya naman po ay ilang beses ko nang nabanggit na kailangan talaga nating tutukan ang [pagpapalago] ng inyong sektor (I believe in its potential to change the lives of every Filipino, which is why I would repeatedly say that we need to focus on [improving] your [agriculture] sector) ,” President Marcos said.