More than 500 farmers in Isabela and Cagayan are scheduled to receive land titles as well as agricultural support services from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) this coming weekend.
Agrarian Secretary Brother John Castriciones will distribute land titles, infrastructure, and support services to the chosen agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from the two provinces on June 19 to 20, 2021.
A total of 670 certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) are expected to be awarded to 575 farmers in Naguilan, Isabela. The land titles will cover some 840 hectares (ha) of land.
“I will personally deliver these land titles because I want them to feel that we care. The government is here to provide the support they need to stay afloat during the pandemic,” Castriciones said.
Meanwhile, three bridges under the "Tulay ng Pangulo" project and a solar-powered irrigation system will also be turned over to the local farmer communities.
Two of the bridges were constructed in Delfin Albano and Jones in Isabela, while the other one is located in Iguig, Cagayan. The irrigation project was built in Naguilan, Isabela.
Farm machines such as solar-powered irrigation system, 43 motorcycles, and two delivery trucks will also be provided to agrarian cooperatives in both provinces.
The secretary will also lead the groundbreaking ceremony and launch of the Balai ARB Housing program in Naguilan, Isabela and Tuguegarao City, respectively. Balai is the country's first housing program made specifically for agrarian beneficiaries.
“Our mandate does not stop in distributing lands to farmers, we continue by providing them with what they need to make them and their lands productive,” Castriciones said.