DAR condones P314.66M debt for 5,200 ARBs in Iloilo, Guimaras

Over 5,200 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Iloilo and Guimaras have been freed from P314.66 million in debts through the release of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM).

A total of 7,039 CoCRoMs were distributed, covering 5,465.12 hectares, marking a year-long effort by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

DAR Undersecretary Jesry Palmares highlighted that these documents serve as proof of legitimate land ownership that can be passed on to future generations.

In addition to debt condonation, 479 titles for 473.97 hectares were granted to 351 ARBs under the Newlands project, and 1,100 electronic titles for 879.98 hectares were distributed under the Support to Parcelization of Lands to Individual Titling project.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, stating that the condonation will allow them to invest in land cultivation instead of amortization payments.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. emphasized the vital role of ARBs in agriculture and the economy, with government support for agriculture to be channeled through agrarian reform communities.