PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte (July 24, 2025) — Davao Oriental has emerged as one of the top-performing provinces in agrarian land distribution, earning national recognition during the regional awarding ceremony of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs), Electronic Titles (e-Titles), and Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage (CoRoMs) held in Panabo City.
The event, led by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), highlighted the province’s milestone achievements under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT). Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang proudly reported that Davao Oriental recorded the highest total awarded area under the program — an impressive 29,489 hectares covering 3,046 landholdings, and benefiting 19,030 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).
Governor Dayanghirang described the occasion as “a powerful symbol of justice, empowerment, and renewed hope,” noting that the distribution of CLOAs, e-Titles, and CoRoMs is more than just a matter of ownership. “These documents represent dignity and the ability of our farmers to shape their future,” he added.
Among the dignitaries who graced the ceremony were DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib. Governor Dayanghirang was one of the distinguished Guests of Honor.
The event also marked the formal rollout of Republic Act No. 11953, or the New Agrarian Reform Emancipation Act (NAREA), which aims to condone the debts of ARBs and promote inclusive development in the countryside. Officials reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to agrarian justice and lasting rural empowerment through legal reforms and continued support to farmer-beneficiaries.
Davao Oriental’s recognition is seen as a model of efficient agrarian reform implementation in Mindanao, reflecting the province’s dedication to uplifting the lives of its farming communities.