Historic Land Title Turnover in Caraga Region
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Thousands of farmers in the Caraga Region experienced a life-changing event as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) officially handed over land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries. This monumental moment fulfilled the long-held dreams of many who have tirelessly worked the land for decades.
During the ceremony at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in Barangay Patin-ay, Prosperidad, DAR awarded titles covering 33,694 hectares to 17,564 beneficiaries. The four-word keyphrase land title turnover Caraga Region marked the beginning of new ownership and security for these farmers.
Wide Coverage Across Caraga Provinces
The distribution spanned the entire Caraga Region, including 19,394 hectares in Agusan del Sur, 9,594 hectares in Surigao del Sur, 3,176 hectares in Surigao del Norte, 922 hectares in the Dinagat Islands, and 608 hectares in Agusan del Norte. Local officials and DAR representatives gathered to witness the historic turnover that promises to transform rural communities.
Personal Stories of Hope and Triumph
Among the recipients was 69-year-old Alicia Calolo of Barangay Pulang Lupa, Trento, who held her 2.2-hectare land title with a voice trembling from emotion. “Now, my family can say we truly own the land we have worked on for so long,” she said, tears streaming down her face, according to community members present.
Nearby, 64-year-old Gil Villaceran from Barangay 5, San Francisco, quietly smiled as he embraced the title to his 1.9-hectare farm. This document symbolizes security and dignity for his family’s future, officials reported.
Support Beyond Land Titles
The department’s generosity extended well beyond land ownership. DAR distributed 289 units of modern farm machinery and equipment valued at nearly ₱40.4 million to agrarian reform organizations. These included tractors, rice harvesters, milling and drying systems, mushroom houses, and various farming tools designed to increase productivity and ease labor.
Additionally, 23,588 bags of farm inputs worth ₱19.9 million were handed over to 133 agrarian groups from 58 towns, ensuring that the newly titled lands would thrive under better conditions, sources said.
Debt Relief for Farmers
In a significant relief effort, the DAR also facilitated the condonation of land amortization for 10,400 beneficiaries. This action erased ₱298.9 million in debts covering over 20,000 hectares of farmland, lifting a heavy financial burden from the shoulders of many farmers.
A Message of Unity and Progress
Addressing the crowd, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III emphasized the importance of solidarity and progress. “What is important is that we are together for a new beginning and a better future for all, especially for the ARBs of the Caraga Region,” he said, according to local leaders.
That day, the land’s ownership shifted to those who have nurtured it the longest, marking a new chapter for Caraga’s farming communities.
For more news and updates on agrarian reform, visit Filipinokami.com.
