THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently gave land titles and more than P755 million in infrastructure, credit and farm assistance to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Pangasinan.
The activity was held at the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat” caravan on Sept. 14 at the Robert B. Estrella Sr. Memorial Stadium in Rosales, Pangasinan.
Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III led the distribution of 1,133 electronic land titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Split) project.
The project subdivides collectively owned land and awards individual titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries, giving them ownership of their respective farm lots.
DAR also awarded 58 regular titles covering 1,446 hectares to 1,147 beneficiaries.
“Land ownership gives our farmers more than a piece of paper — it gives them security, dignity and greater opportunities,” Estrella said.
DAR also turned over 87 farm-to-market roads worth P601.5 million, benefiting 31,480 farmers in the Ilocos Region. Built under the agency’s Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities project, the roads are intended to improve access to markets, transportation and essential services.
Nine agrarian reform beneficiary organizations received Land Bank of the Philippines checks totaling P6.9 million under the Agrarian Production Credit Program. The financing will benefit 239 farmers by providing them access to formal credit.
DAR also provided P12.2 million in assistance to the Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative under its Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support program. The aid, benefiting 295 farmers, aims to raise productivity and income while improving resilience to climate-related risks.
In partnership with other government agencies, DAR gave 35 solar-powered irrigation pumps worth P134.4 million to 27,800 farmers.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources provided fingerlings to an agrarian reform beneficiary organization with 12 members, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority distributed 1,675 tool kits worth P479,500 to 25 beneficiaries.
The Philippine Coconut Authority provided coconut seedlings to an organization representing 20 farmers. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office awarded certificates to 200 beneficiaries who completed a technical driving course.
Estrella said agrarian reform should extend beyond land distribution by giving farmers access to infrastructure, affordable credit and production support.
“The Marcos administration remains committed to bringing these services closer to our farmers and ensuring that agrarian reform leads to improved lives and stronger communities,” he said.
