Land titles best Christmas gift to agrarian beneficiaries – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday led the distribution of land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Western Visayas, describing it as the “best Christmas gift” that can empower farmers, raise productivity of lands and promote food security.

A total of 2,779 land titles were distributed to 2,143 agrarian reform beneficiaries, covering approximately 2,903 hectares of agricultural land.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) also turned over farm machinery and equipment and organic fertilizers worth P26.7 million to selected agrarian reform beneficiary organizations in Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo.

The DAR also built two tissue culture facilities with greenhouses and a greenhouse facility with solar power worth P15.3 million.

“With the distribution of these titles in Western Visayas, in other areas, we are set to exceed our nationwide target for land distribution for the year 2023,” Marcos said during the distribution of land titles and turnover of support services in Passi City, Iloilo.

“For me, this is the best Christmas gift for all of us,” he added.

The Chief Executive directed the DAR to complete the distribution of lands to deserving owners while collaborating with other agencies to provide the needs of beneficiaries.

“We are doing everything to ensure that the land reform program would be completed under my administration. All holders of CLOA (certificate of land ownership award) who should be listed as beneficiaries should receive support from the Department of Agrarian Reform and the Department of Agriculture,” he said.

“Let us all come together to empower our farmers, bring equity to our people and raise the productivity of our lands. We will continue to pursue food security, economic prosperity for the present and succeeding generations... So let us continue to work, let us continue to support our farmers. The farmers have done their part; it is now up to us in the government to do our part,” he added.