The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX, led by OIC Regional Executive Director Marie Angelique C. Go and SPLIT Coordinator Engr. Diosdado L. de Guzman, joined the province-wide distribution of land titles, Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (CoCRoMs), and turnover of farm machineries and equipment on December 13 at the Mega Gym, Dao Sports Complex, Pagadian City.
The event, organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), was attended by prominent national and local leaders, including Senator Imee R. Marcos, Governor Victor J. Yu, Congresswoman Divina Yu, and various DAR and local government officials.
A total of 805 land titles, covering 822 hectares of agricultural land, were distributed under Project SPLIT (Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling). The project aims to secure land tenure for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) by subdividing collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) into individual titles, empowering farmers with full ownership and control over their land.
Additionally, 1,662 Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (CoCRoMs) were awarded to 1,409 ARBs, condoning debts amounting to over Php 88 million across 1,968 hectares. This financial relief comes under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (RA 11953), which aims to alleviate the economic burden of farmers by waiving loans and enabling them to achieve full ownership of their land.
In a significant move to boost agricultural productivity, farm machineries and equipment worth over Php 4 million were turned over to Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Zamboanga del Sur. The equipment is expected to enhance farming operations, improve efficiency, and support the livelihoods of agrarian reform communities in the region.
The active participation of DENR IX underscores its unwavering commitment to land reform, sustainable land management, and collaboration with key stakeholders. By supporting initiatives like Project SPLIT, the agency aims to empower local communities and foster agricultural development in Zamboanga Peninsula.
The event marked a significant milestone in advancing agrarian reform, providing both security and economic opportunities to farmers while promoting sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.