DAR Awards Land Titles To 1,163 Cordillera Farmers, Turns Over P137.4 Million Infra Projects

1,163 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) were teary-eyed as Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano distributed certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) to them.

Together with Undersecretary for Foreign Assisted Projects Sylvia Mallari and Regional Director Atty. Marjorie Ayson, Secretary Mariano led the distribution of CLOAs covering more than 700 hectares of agricultural lands located in Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mt. Province.

“I was jumping for joy when I received the CLOA. The land I till now is mine. And most importantly, I now have something to leave my children with when I die,” said farmer Clifford Caleda from the municipality of Rizal, Kalinga.

“The CLOAs are just the first step towards more support from the government. The DAR has completed infrastructure projects for farmers here,” Secretary Mariano said.

According to Undersecretary Sylvia Mallari, the department has finished various infrastructure projects scheduled for turn over today.

“These projects are farm-to-market roads and communal irrigation projects worth P137.4 million. We expect that these projects would greatly help boost the agri-production of farmer here,” said Usec. Mallari.

After distributing CLOAs to agrarian reform beneficiaries, Secretary Mariano assisted by Usec. Mallari, turned over three farm-to-market roads and five communal irrigation systems.

DAR Regional Director Atty. Marjorie Ayson said, the roads, namely the Bugnay-Buscalan-Butbut, the Cagaluan-Ableg in Kalinga and the Sta. Maria-Allig road in Apayao would connect farm communities to major market centers.

“These roads would also help not only the farmers but also the people in the community. They now have concrete roads, transportation is now easy for everyone,” said Ayson.

Also turned over were five communal irrigation system located in Pangul and Pasil, Kalinga. 

Ayson said the irrigation system would irrigate more than 200 hectares of farm lands.

After the project turn over, Secretary Mariano oriented the DAR employees of CAR on genuine agrarian reform.

The CLOA Distribution and project turnover was held at the Capitol Gymnasium, Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Source: DAR