MANILA (October 21, 2025, 7:06 pm) – Nearly 6,000 farmers across Northern Mindanao are set to receive their long-awaited land titles and debt condonation certificates on Wednesday as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) marks another major step toward full land ownership and financial independence for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the region

In a news release Tuesday, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said 5,788 farmers from Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will benefit from the distribution, which covers a total of 6,235.23 hectares of land.

“The distribution covers a total of 6,235.23 hectares of agricultural land, marking another milestone in DAR’s commitment to strengthening land tenure security and uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers,” the DAR said.

“In addition, 1,026 ARBs will be freed from a combined P61.26 million in unpaid land amortizations through the issuance of CoCRoMs (Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage), covering 1,446.07 hectares—giving them a fresh start to cultivate their lands without debt burdens,” it added.

Aside from CoCRoMs, the DAR will also distribute Emancipation Patents (EPs), Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs), and electronic titles (E-titles) on Wednesday, during the Stakeholders’ Forum at The Atrium, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

Of the 5,788 ARBs, 1,026 farmers will have their cumulative PHP61.26 million in unpaid land amortizations fully condoned, freeing them from decades-old financial obligations. The overall distribution includes regular EPs and CLOAs for 211 ARBs, covering 268.42 hectares, along with E-titles under Project Split for 4,551 ARBs, covering 4,520.74 hectares. Finally, debt condonation is being granted to 1,026 ARBs, covering 1,446.07 hectares of land and clearing P61.26 million in debt.

Estrella said the event reaffirms the Marcos administration’s dedication to rural development and genuine agrarian justice.

“This administration remains steadfast in its promise to uphold genuine agrarian reform. These titles and debt condonation measures are clear proof that the government stands with our farmers in building a better future for the countryside,” he said.

The DAR added that the event will also serve as a venue for farmers and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in agrarian reform, as DAR continues to roll out programs that strengthen land tenure, boost farm productivity, and improve the quality of life in rural communities. (Marita Moaje/PNA)