Lanao del Sur, Philippines — In a momentous ceremony held on November 28, 2024, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim led the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Camp Keithley, Lanao del Sur. This event, the fifth mass CLOA distribution in the Bangsamoro region, brought new hope to farmers from Marawi City, Saguiaran, and Piagapo, marking a historic milestone in their journey toward secure land tenure.
The ceremony also welcomed beneficiaries from other parts of BARMM, including Maguindanao, the Special Geographic Area, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, who traveled to receive their land titles. This highlights the regional government’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of farmers across the Bangsamoro.
A Leader’s Commitment
Chief Minister Ebrahim, affectionately known as “Al Haj Murad,” delivered an impassioned keynote speech, reflecting on the significance of the occasion.
“I am honored to keynote the fifth mass Certificate of Land Ownership Award Distribution for Camp Keithley in Lanao del Sur to our agrarian reform beneficiaries from Marawi City, Saguiaran, and Piagapo,” Ebrahim said.
He emphasized the transformative impact of land ownership:
“Today is a joyful day for all of us. It is a privilege to stand beside you in fulfilling the dream of owning land to cultivate and sustain your daily needs. What once seemed impossible is now within reach because of our collective determination and unwavering advocacy for the dreams and rights of the Bangsamoro people.”
Bridging Dreams and Reality
The distribution of CLOAs underlines the commitment of the National Government and the Bangsamoro government to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). The initiative is aligned with Executive Order No. 75, which reinforces land distribution as a pillar of economic empowerment and social justice.
The event is not only a testament to the enduring vision of agrarian reform but also a celebration of resilience. Beneficiaries shared stories of how the land titles would help secure their livelihoods and provide a brighter future for their families.
A Testament to Progress
For the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, this distribution represents more than just a policy milestone. It is a symbol of progress in a region that has long struggled with land disputes and socio-economic challenges. Through the cooperation of national and regional leaders, the program brings tangible change to farming communities that form the backbone of the Bangsamoro economy.
The event closed with a renewed sense of hope among attendees, who hailed the initiative as a beacon of the Bangsamoro government’s commitment to inclusive development.
This milestone stands as a reminder that, with leadership and perseverance, dreams of a more equitable society can be achieved—one piece of land at a time.