ORMOC CITY – Farmer Elenita Godin never thought the day would come when she could finally own the land that she has been tilling for more than a decade. Her long wait ended this month when she became one of the 10 farmers in Ormoc who receive her certificate of land ownership award (CLOA) in a simple distribution rite held in Barangay San Jose, where most of the recipients reside.

“I am thankful that the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) finally made this happen. The wait took a long time, but it was worth it,” said Godin who could not hide her happiness after receiving the CLOA.

Farmer-beneficiaries Ernesto Bolakinia and Ramil Catado said they are thankful for the land reform program of the government.

“I now have something to leave my children with when I die,” farmer Bolakinia said.

Bolakinia, 63, said the rice field awarded to him will be of big help in sending his six children to school.

Catado, 42, said he is happy because they will now be relieved from giving shares to former the landowner. “All the harvests will now be ours,” he said.

DAR Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Ruben Rebato disclosed that the 10 individual CLOAs covered an aggregate area of 6.8 hectares previously owned by the Concepcion Espina Agricultural Corporation and Anito Ygot. The landholdings are situated in Barangay Guintigui-an in this city.

As the 10 recipients are now considered landowners, Rebato emphasized their obligations as agrarian reform beneficiaries including the payment of land amortizations and real property taxes. He also encouraged the farmers to join agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations to avail themselves of the various support services extended by DAR.  

“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 said. (DAR)