DAR distributes 2,756 land titles in Cotabato, South Cotabato

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has distributed 2,756 land titles to 2,666 agrarian reform beneficiaries in Cotabato and South Cotabato, adding the latest distribution of electronic titles (e-titles) to 10 ARBs in North Cotabato.

In South Cotabato, 2,103 land titles covering 2,551.16 hectares were given to 2,067 beneficiaries, while in Cotabato, 653 titles for 981.11 hectares were awarded to 599 ARBs.

DAR Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan emphasized that these land titles empower beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their land use and agricultural practices, leading to improved livelihoods and food security.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers Luzel Marie C. Antes and Josie N. Nedamo led the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) in Barangay Paraiso on Thursday, where beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the significant impact on their families' livelihoods.

Under Republic Act 6657, ARBs are entitled to an area not exceeding three hectares, which can be a contiguous tract of land or several parcels cumulated up to the prescribed limit. This distribution is part of DAR's efforts under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling Project.

Sangcopan noted that agrarian reform continues beyond the distribution of land titles, focusing on securing land tenure and access to resources among beneficiaries.