WHILE the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) celebrated distributing over 10,000 land titles in the Caraga Region last December, farmers in Northern Mindanao are still waiting for theirs.

Members of the Don Carlos Bukidnon United Farmers Association, Inc. (DCBUFAI) are entering 2026 without titles, despite applying for 109 hectares of land formerly part of Bukidnon Farms Inc. (BFI) in 1986.

The delay has left farmers vulnerable to displacement and harassment.

“Maka wala og gana maka kita nga naay pila ka libo nga CLOA na-issue sa uban samantala kami ga hulat sa pipila na ka dekada para sa amoang CLOA,” said Jovencio Destor, president of DCBUFAI.

“Among mga miyembro nag tuman naman sa mga kinahanglanon ug nag tambong man mi sa proseso. Ang hinay nga pag hatag nag hikaw kanamo sa kalig-onon sa among panginabuhi.”

The farmers’ plight highlights the stark contrast between DAR Caraga’s success and DAR-10’s perceived stagnation.

Advocates warn the delay is becoming a survival issue, as land security is key to climate resilience.

“Agrarian reform is one of the cornerstones of climate justice,” said Lucita Gonzales, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) Mindanao coordinator.

“When farmers can secure and decide over their land, they can adopt climate-resilient practices that strengthen food systems.”

The DCBUFAI has been vocal about their plight, joining a protest rally in July 2025 to push for their rights.

“For decades, DCBUFAI members have complied with every revalidation and dialogue, yet DAR-10 continues to delay what should have been delivered long ago,” said Ian Rivera, PMCJ national coordinator.

LAND AND SURVIVAL. Members of the Don Carlos Bukidnon United Farmers Association, Inc. (DCBUFAI), joined by the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, rally in Don Carlos, Bukidnon to demand the immediate release of their land titles. The farmers argue that the decades-long delay in agrarian reform not only denies them ownership of the 109-hectare property but leaves them defenseless against the worsening economic and environmental crisis. Photo courtesy of PMCJ

The disparity between DAR Caraga’s massive payout and DAR-10’s stagnation has prompted calls for a national probe.

“If DAR Caraga reports 10,000 titles distributed, why can’t DAR-10?” Rivera asked, urging the DAR Central Office to intervene immediately.

“Wala kami nangayo og espesyal nga pag tratar, hinaut lang unta nga patas ug dinali-dali. Atong mag-uuma angay mahatagan sa parehong pagtagad ug aksyon gihatag sa uban lugar,” Destor said, emphasizing the need for equal treatment and swift action.