The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will cancel nearly ₱1.8 billion in unpaid land amortization and distribute ₱73.6 million in support services across Negros Island on Thursday.
In a statement Wednesday, the agency said it will hand out 7,798 land titles covering 5,524 hectares to 4,788 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. It will also issue 15,000 Certificates of Condonation to 13,822 ARBs, officially clearing decades-old land debts in Negros Oriental.
DAR will further provide ₱67.6 million worth of farm machinery and inputs to 71 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations, including tractors, trucks, solar-powered irrigation pumps, mini-tractors, and 13,500 packs of organic fertilizer. These are expected to help nearly 4,200 ARBs lower production costs and boost farm output.
An additional ₱6 million in relief aid will go to 5,913 individuals—including 5,675 ARBs and 238 DAR employees—affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan. Packages will include basic necessities such as blankets, flashlights, and food items.
DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said the assistance aims to help farmers and staff recover from typhoon damage and stabilize their livelihoods.
The agency earlier said it is targeting the distribution of 400,000 land titles nationwide this year but has yet to release updated figures on how many have been issued so far.
