DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte renewed his administration’s commitment Tuesday to pursue the full implementation of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) as he graced the 31st anniversary celebration of the government’s land distribution program.
Speaking during the event at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Quezon City, he noted that it is only by empowering farmers that the country would achieve the sustained growth of its rural economies and eventually the nation’s inclusive progress.
As President Duterte acknowledged the gains of the DAR in the implementation of CARP in the past three decades, he nonetheless stressed the need to finally accomplish the ultimate goal of the program through the administration’s agrarian reform.
“As we highlight our accomplishments and milestones in implementing CARP, let us never lose sight of the primary aim of this program, which is to uphold the welfare of our landless farmers, promote social justice, and attain sound rural development through the equitable distribution of all agricultural lands across the country,” the President said.
During the event, the Chief Executive also led the ceremonial distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).
Conveying his message to the ARBs, he said, “Today is indeed an auspicious occasion to realize the emancipation of our farmers by giving them actual ownership over the lands that they have been tilling for decades. I am therefore happy to lead the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award or CLOA to the agrarian reform beneficiaries present here today.”
“It is the ultimate aspiration of every farmer to own the lands that they till. Now, with these titles in their hands, I am confident that every beneficiary will be inspired to improve and increase their production through sustainable farming methods.”
“As we work together in improving the quality of life of our farmers, their families and communities, I am counting on all our agrarian reform beneficiaries to support the growth and development of our agricultural sector through responsible farming.”
President Duterte also mentioned areas of concern particularly the vast tracks of land in the Visayas and Mindanao held by wealthy landlords. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to correct the historical distortion brought about by the misallocation of lands that resulted in social injustice and sluggish rural economy.
“With technology transfer, resource and facilities support, and capacity building programs that this administration will make available to our farmers, I am confident that we will see a stronger and brighter future for agriculture in the Philippines,” he added.
The President also called on the military to end communist rebellion in the country to spare the next generation of the problem that has hounded the country for many decades.
The proliferation of illegal narcotics, which he vowed to eliminate, must also be stopped, he told security officials.-pnd
