The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has granted P134.5 million in land debt relief to over 3,500 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Western Visayas, distributing 3,565 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCROMs) in April alone.
The debt relief was granted under Republic Act No. 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. Ceremonies were held across DAR provincial and municipal offices, attended by ARBs, local government officials, and DAR personnel.
Provincial breakdown:
Iloilo: 2,064 certificates
Capiz: 897
Antique: 497
Guimaras: 58
Aklan: 49
DAR Regional Director Leomides Villareal said the condonation erases years of unpaid land amortizations, interest, and penalties—granting farmers full ownership of their awarded lands.
“By freeing more than 3,500 ARBs from land debt, we are putting an end to years of struggle and giving farmers a fresh start filled with hope and opportunity,” said Villareal.
Farmers expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and the DAR Western Visayas team, calling the move a turning point toward economic stability and peace of mind.
DAR reaffirmed its commitment to building an equitable and empowered agricultural sector where farmers thrive on land they truly own.IMT
