The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has installed about 90 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in a 62-hectare land at Barangay Tinang in Concepcion, Tarlac.
Formerly known as the Dominican Province of the Philippine Island, the land owned by Dominican priests was entrusted to four supervisors who were also installed in their respective lots.
DAR Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs Amihilda Sangcopan, who represented Secretary Conrado Estrella III, congratulated the beneficiaries for this milestone.
“We hope that just like how you worked hard to obtain your right to this property, you will also persevere in enhancing the land to improve your lives,” Sangcopan said.
For his part, DAR Regional Director James Ponce assured that the agency is in the process of registering the property with the Registry of Deeds to obtain a Collective Certificate of Land Ownership Award which then be parcelized and awarded to ARBs.
“Together with your installation in the property are your duties and responsibilities to cultivate and enrich the land to become your steady source of income,” Ponce reminded recipients.
He emphasized that the assistance of DAR does not end in the installation but continues to the provision of training, machineries, and other support services to sustain their livelihood.
Moreover, Ponce congratulated them for acquiring their Certificate of Incorporation as a manifestation of their registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
One of the beneficiaries, Abby Bucad, expressed her gratitude to the department and those who contributed to the fulfillment of the event.
“We waited for 30 years for this day to come and despite all the challenges we have encountered, we are grateful to the Department of Agrarian Reform for finally making this happen,” Bucad said.
DAR support services to ARB organizations include provision of Agri-technology, Business Development Services, Common Service Facilities, and Credit and Micro-finance.
Also, Agri-insurance for crops and livestock, Rural Infrastructure, and Land Tenure Improvement and Stability. (CLJD/GLSB, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)