MANJUYOD, Negros Oriental -- A total of 1,299 landless farmers in the province of Negros Oriental have all the reasons to celebrate the year after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed to them, on Monday, February 7, 2022, around 782 hectares of agricultural lands they have been longing to receive for many years. 

DAR Secretary Bernie F. Cruz, who led the distribution ceremony, said this activity sets off a good start of the year for the farmers to make their lands more productive to boost their economic lives.

“We are here, with other top officials of the department, to join you in this moment of celebration. The lands you have been tilling for years are now officially yours. Take good care of your land titles because you can pass it on to the next generations of your family,” he said.

Cruz added that the DAR is doing its best to improve the agricultural sector in the countryside to lift the lives of the farmers, as well as, ensure the country’s food security.

The lands distributed in South Negros Oriental include properties in the town of Mabinay with 242.6841 hectares; Bayawan, 43.6656 has.; Tanjay, 24.8265 has.; La Libertad, 22 has.; Sta. Catalina, 15.9533 has.; Pamplona, 14.7992 has.; and Amlan, 4.18 has.

In North Negros Oriental, Guihulngan City, DAR has distributed 343.7355 hectares, while Canlaon City with 70.1861 has.

Alejandro Didal, one of the land recipients from Guihulngan City, said that the land they receive is a morale booster to them because it shows that the government is true to its promise in helping the poor farmers.

“Thank you very much to the DAR. Owning the lands we have been dreaming of means a lot to our lives,” he said.

OIC-Central Visayas Regional Director Romeo Reyes told the agrarian reform beneficiaries that the department’s help to them would not stop in land distribution but rather would assist them to enrich their lands through the provision of various support services. (DAR)