PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to complete land distribution to deserving beneficiaries as he called on government agencies to extend help to farmer-beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity brought about by their newly acquired lands.
“Para ituloy ang ating mga nagawa na dito sa agrarian reform, I ask the DAR to complete the distribution of lands to their deserving owners while collaborating with all the agencies of government to support our beneficiaries in anything that they might need,” President Marcos said during the distribution of land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Western Visayas held in Passi, Iloilo.
“So, to those who will be receiving their titles today— who have received their titles today, I urge you na pagbutihan ninyo at pagsamantalahan ninyo ng mabuti itong magandang pagkakataon na naibigay namin sa inyo dahil nga sa pagbigay ng titulo.”
Describing the land distribution as a “great Christmas gift” for all, Marcos said that with the handover of the land titles in Western Visayas and in other areas, the administration is set to exceed its nationwide target for land distribution this year.
The distribution of more than 2,900 hectares of land to more than 2,000 beneficiaries in Western Visayas is noteworthy in the pursuit of the administration’s agrarian reform in country, Marcos said.
At the same time, the President made an assurance that while the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are tilling their lands, his administration will also continue extending necessary support to improve their lives and source of livelihood.
“In the same manner, ito nga ‘yung aking sinasabi ang pag-deliver nga mga fertilizer, ng mga makinarya, mga facilities ay makakatulong upang makamtan natin ang ating hinahanap at ating pinapangarap na magandang kinabukasan para sa ating mga magsasaka, para sa ating mga sinasaka, at para sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” Marcos pointed out.
The President also called on the public to come together to empower Filipino farmers, bring equity to the people, and raise land productivity to ensure food security and economic prosperity.
Aside from distributing land titles to Western Visayas beneficiaries, President Marcos also led the turnover of support services such as farm machineries and equipment, as well as tissue culture totaling PhP26.7 million.
Also, a total of PhP10.8 million worth of farm machinery and equipment composed of tractors, mobile rice mill, corn sheller, and palay reaper and thresher were handed over by the President to more than 3,000 ARBs from Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo.
Tissue culture facilities with greenhouses amounting to PhP15.3 million were also distributed, benefitting more than 7,000 ARBs in Capiz and Iloilo.
Other officials who were present during the land title distribution were Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III and City of Passi Mayor Stephen Palmares, leading other officials.
