802 Surigao farmers get land titles

MANILA, Philippines - At least 802 farmers received certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) during a ceremony in Hinatuan,  Surigao del Sur, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said over the weekend.

The distribution ceremony was led by DAR regional director Julita Ragandang and Mayor Candelario Viola Jr.

The CLOAs covered 1,715 hectares of agricultural land in Hinatuan.

“Now that you own the land, be responsible and make it productive and progressive. We at DAR will provide you with support services to help you achieve this,” Ragandang said.

Viola said land reform is not just about land distribution, but also providing projects and programs to the beneficiaries.

Farmer-leader Sanny Basigsig thanked the government for the CLOAs.

“I no longer need to worry about my rent for the use of the land,” Basigsig said.

He promised to fasttrack the establishment of proposed two agrarian reform communities in Hinatuan.