[SPLIT News Alert] President Marcos Leads Distribution of Land Titles to Over 1,200 Farmers in Palawan

CORON, Palawan – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. with Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, spearheaded the distribution of 1,287 Electronic land titles (e-titles) and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to 1,270 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) covering 2,926.78 hectares of agricultural land today, September 19, 2024, in an event that underscored the administration's commitment to uplifting Filipino farmers.

Of the total land titles distributed, The DAR, under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT) issued 1,234 e-titles to 1,217 ARBs covering a total of 2,921.96 hectares of agricultural land, making this one of the most significant land distribution efforts of the year.

Alongside the distribution of e-titles under Project SPLIT, 53 CLOAs covering 4.8277 hectares were also handed out to farmers in Narra, Palawan, a resettlement area, under DAR’s regular program.

President Marcos praised the farmers for their resilience and hard work, stating that land distribution alone is not the end of the government’s support. He emphasized the importance of Republic Act No. 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which condones the amortization of principal payments, interest, and penalties on land cultivated by farmers.

“These titles are proof that the land you have worked so hard to cultivate is now rightfully yours,” President Marcos affirmed, addressing the farmers directly. “Our government’s support doesn’t stop at land distribution. We’ve also freed you from your debts to ensure that you can focus on farming and improving your livelihoods.”

The President also highlighted the government's inclusive approach to peace-building by providing land to rebel returnees and agriculture graduates. “In our pursuit of peace, we are also granting land to those who have returned to the fold of the government. This is for your welfare and your future,” he added.

A notable achievement of the event was the long-anticipated distribution of the Busuanga Pasture Reserve (BPR), a vast tract of agricultural land located in the municipalities of Coron and Busuanga, Palawan. After years of