Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III highlighted the agency’s remarkable progress in advancing agrarian reform under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration during his guest appearance on Ang Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on PTV-4 on February 14. Hosted by Joey Villarama and Wheng Hidalgo, the program provided a platform for the Secretary to discuss the department’s milestones in land distribution, support services, and agrarian justice for farmers.
Record-Breaking Land Distribution
As of December 31, 2024, the DAR has distributed 194,111 land titles covering 229,545 hectares of agricultural lands to 186,290 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs)—a significant increase compared to previous administrations.
“We have made historic progress in issuing individual land titles to farmers,” Estrella stated. “Unlike before, when collective Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CCLOAs) were given, we now ensure ARBs receive individual titles, granting them full control and security over their land.”
He explained that collective land ownership often led to boundary disputes and hindered long-term investments. To address this, the DAR is implementing the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project, funded by the World Bank. This initiative aims to provide individual titles for approximately 1.38 million hectares of land, benefiting over 1.14 million ARBs.
Under the SPLIT project, 132,393 individual land titles covering 170,718 hectares have already been distributed to more than 124,000 ARBs. Meanwhile, through the regular Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) program, 61,718 land titles covering 58,828 hectares were awarded to 61,669 ARBs.
Estrella credited the success of land parcelization and distribution to the strong collaboration with the Registry of Deeds, local government units, and the unwavering support of President Marcos Jr. He emphasized that both he and the President are committed to completing agrarian reform, continuing the legacy of their respective predecessors—President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former Agrarian Reform Minister Conrado Estrella Sr.
Debt Relief for ARBs
Recognizing the financial burdens of agrarian reform beneficiaries, Estrella reported that 230,372 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) have been issued under the DAR’s debt condonation program.
This initiative, mandated by Republic Act No. 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, signed by President Marcos Jr. on July 7, 2023, cancels unpaid amortizations and debts incurred under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
The program aims to benefit 600,000 ARBs by the end of 2025, offering much-needed financial relief in light of climate change challenges and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We understand the struggles of our farmers. By freeing them from agrarian debt, we are giving them a fresh start—one that allows them to invest in their land, increase productivity, and improve their quality of life,” Estrella emphasized.
Infrastructure, Support Services, and Agrarian Justice
Beyond land distribution, DAR has strengthened support services to enhance agricultural productivity.
- 184 irrigation projects have been completed, utilizing P2.2 billion in CARP irrigation funds to benefit 6,803 ARBs across 7,751 hectares.
- 298 farm-to-market roads worth P3.58 billion have been constructed, improving connectivity and access to markets for farmers.
In the area of agrarian justice, DAR has resolved 62,754 out of 65,822 pending cases, achieving a 95.34% resolution rate. Some of these disputes had been unresolved for up to 30 years. To accelerate case resolution, DAR restructured its personnel, hired more lawyers, and established dedicated task forces to address land conflicts.
Future Plans: Strengthening Agrarian Reform and Modernizing Agriculture
Looking ahead, DAR aims to distribute 400,000 hectares of agricultural land to ARBs from 2025 to 2028. In line with President Marcos Jr.’s directive, the department will introduce modern farming technologies, including:
- Tissue-culture laboratories for high-yield crops
- Tractors with balers to enhance mechanized farming
- Drone pesticide sprayers for efficient pest management
- Organic fertilizers to promote sustainable agriculture
Additionally, DAR plans to establish Agrarian Reform Training Institutes in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to equip ARBs with advanced farming knowledge and skills.
With these initiatives, Secretary Estrella reaffirmed DAR’s commitment to empowering farmers, ensuring that agrarian reform beneficiaries gain not only land ownership but also the resources needed to thrive in the agricultural sector.