The dream of having their own farmland to till finally came into reality for 10 farmers in Ormoc City.
This, after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) gave each of them a certificate of land ownership award (CLOA) on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

The farmland covers 6.8 hectares in Barangay Guintigui-an and previously owned he Concepcion Espina Agricultural Corporation and Anito Ygot.
During the ceremony, DAR Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Ruben Rebato reminded the 10 recipients of their obligations as agrarian reform beneficiaries, including the payment of land amortizations and real property taxes.
“DAR’s responsibility does not end with CLOA distribution. We will continue to provide you with support services to boost your capabilities to further develop your lands.” Rebato prompted the beneficiaries, as he also encouraged the farmers to join the agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations to avail themselves of various services from the government.
In response, one of the beneficiaries, Elenita Godin expressed gladness, noting that never in her thought that finally she could finally own the land that she has been tilling for over a decade.
“I am thankful that the Department of Agrarian Reform finally made this happen. The wait took a long time, but it was worth it,” Godin uttered.
Several other beneficiaries could no longer hide their joy at receiving the CLOA.
“I now have something to leave my children with when I die,” farmer Ernesto Bolakinia, 63, said in a sobbing voice, adding the rice field awarded to him will be of big help in sending his six children to school.
Farmer Ramil Catado, on the other hand, extends his gratitude for the awarding of CLOA.
Catado, 42, said he is grateful that they will no longer be giving shares of the profit to the former landowner. (Jun Marcos Tadios)