PBBM distributes land titles, condonation certificates to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Davao Region

DAVAO CITY —Thousands of agrarian reform beneficiaries in the Davao Region received land titles and Certificates of Condonation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a ceremony held at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Tourism, Cultural, and Sports Center in Panabo City on Thursday morning, December 5.

Marcos personally handed over the land titles and certificates to nearly 7,000 beneficiaries from Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Norte.

 The event marks a milestone in the implementation of Republic Act 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which aims to empower farmers by erasing their land debts and releasing them from mortgage obligations.

Panabo City, known as the “Agri-Gateway of Southern Philippines,” saw more than 300 farmers benefit during the program’s first phase.

The President emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling the long-standing dreams of agrarian reform beneficiaries to own the lands they have cultivated for years.

“This program aims to make you the full owners of your farms. You won’t have to worry about paying amortization, interest, or other service charges. In other words, your debts are erased, everything is clean,” Marcos said in his speech, citing  the life-changing impact of the program.

Under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, more than 9,000 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCROM) have already been distributed across the region.

The act exempts farmers from paying amortization and other financial burdens tied to their agrarian reform lands, enabling them to focus on productivity and livelihood improvement.

The program also aligns with the government’s goal of bolstering food security by empowering the agricultural sector.

Local officials expressed their gratitude and support for the initiative. Panabo City Mayor Jose Relampagos welcomed the event, stating:

“My heartfelt thanks for holding the regional title and certificate of condonation distribution here in Panabo City. May we continue to be guided by service to Panaboans and service to God.”

“This day marks a historic chapter not only for the Davao Region but for the entire nation. It is a testament to how strong political will can transform the lives of Filipino farmers. Through the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, we are granting land ownership and fostering economic liberation,” Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib

The distribution of land titles and debt condonation certificates represents a crucial step in achieving economic freedom for Filipino farmers.

By resolving long-standing agrarian debts, the government empowers farmers to focus on increasing agricultural productivity, which in turn strengthens the country’s food security.

 Marcos assured the public that this initiative is part of a larger effort to uplift the agricultural sector and improve the lives of farmers across the Philippines. The beneficiaries left the event with renewed hope and a sense of ownership, a step closer to economic independence and security.