Fulfilling his promise, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. distributes E-titles and Certificates of Landownership Award (CLOAs) to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of Panay and Guimaras Island in Passi City, Iloilo on September 19, 2024.

During this event, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Western Visayas distributes 2,588 titles to 1,932 ARBs, covering approximately 2,643 hectares of agricultural land. This includes 2,337 titles obtained from the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project with an area of 2,390.4133 hectares given to 1,725 ARBs, as well as 251 titles for new lands covering an area of 253.1103 hectares, distributed to 207 ARBs.

The President stressed that receiving their titles will bring a significant change to the lives of those who depend solely on the land they will finally own. “Ang bawat titulo na ating pinagkakaloob, ang bawat titulo ay nagbibigay kalayaan sa ating mga magsasaka. Kalayaan mula sa mga pagkakautang, kalayaan na magkaroon ng tiyak na kinabukasan para sa kanilang pamilya, at kalayaan na makapagplano para sa mas maunlad na bukas,” he added.

Recalling his visit in December 2023, the President identified the needs of the ARBs, and now he is bringing a long-term solution by distributing the land titles. The government recognizes the challenges that the farmers encounter.  “Hindi namin kayo pababayaan. Lahat ng ito ay bahagi ng mas malaking layunin: ang tiyakin na walang magsasakang maiiwan,” he promised in his message.

The President recalled that in support of the farmers in clearing debts in their lands, he signed the Republic Act (RA) No. 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act which aims to free over 600,000 beneficiaries from the burden of debt that has made their lives difficult.

“Ngayon, hindi na ito isang pangarap lang, kung hindi isang katotohanan na sabay-sabay nating isinasakatuparan sa Bagong Pilipinas. Ang tagumpay ng bawat magsasaka ay tagumpay ng bawat Pilipino,” the President highlighted. He also reiterated for the government and the people to work together to ensure that no one is left behind in our development.

DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, Undersecretary Jesry T. Palmares, Undersecretary Rowena Niña O. Taduran, Assistant Secretary Atty. Quintin O. Magsico, and other DAR Central Officials were present, including all third-level officials of DAR Region VI, headed by Regional Director Leomides R. Villareal, as well as various ARBs and members of ARB organizations in Panay and Guimaras Island.