In Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, over 9,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) received loan condonation certificates and land titles, which Senator Francis ‘TOL’ Tolentino described as the “best Christmas gift to farmers” from President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.
A total of 9,707 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) were distributed to 6,125 ARBs, writing off ₱816.69 million in loans from Land Bank, covering 6,413 hectares of farmland.
Additionally, 4,348 electronic titles (e-titles) were awarded to 2,220 ARBs, spanning 2,517 hectares, alongside 969 Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) for 682 ARBs, covering 419 hectares of agricultural lands.
“Let us thank President Marcos for signing the landmark law which made all of this possible. You should also commend Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Sec. Conrado Estrella for his tireless efforts to press the senators to approve this measure,” said Tolentino, referring to Republic Act No. 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act.
“I urge you to take care of these documents, which are proof of the government’s commitment to serve you in recognition of your contribution to our economy and food security,” the senator told the audience at the Cadiz Arena.
The event was attended by Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, DAR Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Castil, Jr., DAR Regional Director Lucrecia Taberna, and other officials.