12/05/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐๐๐จ๐๐ฌ, ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ, ๐๐ง๐ ๐
๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฐ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ค๐๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌโ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
The Department of Agrarian Reform Region IX (DAR IX) successfully conducted a Regionwide Stakeholdersโ Engagement and Consultation on May 4, 2026, at the Zamboanga del Norte Cultural and Exhibition Center in Dipolog City.
This event marked another significant milestone in the advancement of agrarian reform in the region, during which Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoMs), land titles, and Farm Machinery and Equipment (FMEs) were distributed to thousands of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula, including the newly integrated province of Sulu. This initiative highlights the governmentโs ongoing commitment to securing land tenure, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving the lives of farmer-beneficiaries.
A major highlight of the event was the distribution of the final batch of 3,239 CoCRoMs . This distribution covered a total 11,003.54 hectares across Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, benefiting 6,832 ARBs. With Sulu now part of Region IX, an additional 147 CoCRoMs covering 3,787 hectares were awarded to 143 ARBs from the province.
These certificates represent the condonation of unpaid land amortizations, including any accrued interests. This effectively freeing beneficiaries from long-standing financial obligations, enabling them to fully enjoy the benefits of land ownership.
In terms of land tenure, DAR IX also distributed a total of 219 land titles, covering 298.95 hectares and benefiting 204 ARBs across the region. Among these, 59 were Regular Titles comprising 57.68 hectares, awarded to 42 ARBs in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.
A total of 160 electronic titles (e-Titles) were distributed under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT). These titles covered an area of 241.27 hectares and benefited 162 ARBs from Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. The issuance of e-Titles marks the transition from collective to individual ownership, which strengthens land tenure security and allows ARBs to manage and develop their lands more effectively.
In addition to land tenure support, DAR IX has turned over 26 units of farm machinery and equipment (FMEs) amounting to โฑ11,010,000.00 to 16 ARBOs, benefitting a total of 4,272 ARBs. These interventions aim to boost farm productivity, reduce labor costs, and promote mechanized farming practices in the region.
The distributed equipment includes solar-powered irrigation pumps and mini four-wheel drive tractors for Zamboanga del Norte; floating tillers (mudboat type), corn shellers with dehuskers, and handheld post hole diggers for Zamboanga del Sur; as well as solar-powered pumps, multi-role power stations, and four-wheel drive tractors for Zamboanga Sibugay. These resources are expected to significantly enhance the operational capacity and income potential of the ARBOs.
The event was attended by key national and local officials, led by Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, who personally oversaw the distribution of CoCRoMs and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs). He was joined by Undersecretaries Rowena Niรฑa Taduran, Kazel Celeste, Amihilda Sangcopan, and Josef Angelo Martires.
A representative for the agrarian reform beneficiaries, Joseph Vallecer, conveyed gratitude on behalf of his fellow ARBs. Speaking in Bisaya, he expressed deep appreciation for the governmentโs responsiveness, highlighting how the program enabled him to regain access to the land he tills and secure his familyโs livelihood. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the DAR leadership and the national government for prioritizing the welfare of farmers.
In his introduction of the keynote speaker, DAR IX Regional Director Atty. Ramon E. Madroรฑal, Jr. emphasized that the event reflected the tangible results of strong leadership and clear direction in implementing agrarian reform. He noted that the distribution of condonation certificates, land titles, and support services demonstrated how government programs translate into concrete benefits for farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Following this, Secretary Estrella reaffirmed the governmentโs commitment to bringing services closer to the people and uplifting the lives of farmers. Speaking in Bisaya, he underscored the dedication of public servants who continue to work tirelessly, often making personal sacrifices, to ensure that farmers -- who endure both heat and rain to feed the nation -- receive the support they deserve. He emphasized that such efforts are fulfilling, as they lead to meaningful change for those who need it most.
The program included interactive segments, such as trivia and parlor games, creating a celebratory atmosphere and allowing participating ARBs the chance to win prizes, facilitated by USec. Rowena Niรฑa Taduran.
In attendance were DAR IX Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Engr. Jena Salaug, Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Rizzel Villanueva, and Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudicator (RARAD) Atty. Jessica Agagon, along with all Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers (MARPOs) from Region IX. Additionally, representatives from partner agencies -- including the Land Bank of the Philippines, Land Registration Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Philippine National Police -- were present. This demonstrates strong inter-agency and multi-sectoral support for agrarian reform initiatives.
Through this large-scale distribution and engagement activity, DAR IX continues to upholds its mandate to deliver social justice and comprehensive support services to farmer-beneficiaries. This effort contributes to inclusive growth and sustainable rural development in Zamboanga Peninsula.
