244 Laguna farmers now landowners

STA. CRUZ, Laguna – A total of 244 farmers were officially granted land titles through Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on June 25 at the Cultural Center of the Provincial Capitol of Laguna.

The awarded agricultural lands, spanning 159.5 hectares, are in the municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Kalayaan, Pangil, Majayjay, Calamba, San Pablo, Pakil, Calauan, and Paete.

DAR Undersecretary Kazel Celeste, who presided over the distribution ceremony, emphasized the critical role farmers play in the nation’s food security. “Without your hard work and dedication, our country would face hunger. With the looming global food shortage, we trust you to cultivate these lands productively,” Celeste addressed the farmers.

Celeste added, “Today’s distribution of land titles is a direct initiative from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary Conrado Estrella to ensure that government services reach you directly.”

DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) Saturnino Bello explained the details of the land distribution: 129.4 hectares were allocated to 189 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) under the agency’s land acquisition and distribution program, and 30.11 hectares to 55 ARBs under the DAR’s Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project.

“The 55 ARBs under the SPLIT project had previously received collective certificates of land ownership (CCLOAs). This time, they received land titles after the department individualized the CCLOAs. The SPLIT project enhances their land tenure security and property rights,” Bello explained.

The SPLIT Project involves the precise subdivision and demarcation of lands awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), providing ARBs with clear, individual titles.

Ofelia Feliciano, a farmer from San Pablo City, expressed her gratitude. “This is an answered prayer. I finally hold proof that the land is mine alone, no longer shared with other farmers. Thank you so much,” she said.

Laguna 2nd District Representative Ruth Hernandez, a co-author of RA 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, celebrated the farmers’ new ownership status. “I am thrilled