NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-10) in Northern Mindanao distributed certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) to more than 2,122 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) yesterday, July 10.

A total of 2,176 land titles covering 5,119.5562 hectares were awarded to farmers from across Region 10 during a ceremony held at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Naawan.

Among the recipients was 70-year-old Ferdinand Jalalon, a farmer from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. He said receiving his land title felt like a dream come true after working the same three-hectare plot for decades.

“Labaw pa sa kalipay, mao gyud na akong gibati karon,” Jalalon said.

LAND FOR FARMERS. Department of Agrarian Reform-10 Director Zoraida Macadindang hands a land title to one of the beneficiaries during the distribution of 2,176 land titles to over 2,122 agrarian reform beneficiaries from across Northern Mindanao, held July 10 at the MSU-Naawan gymnasium. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

He praised DAR for covering the costs of surveying and titling, saying he paid nothing out of pocket. Jalalon plans to continue cultivating corn, vegetables, cacao, and bananas.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Juliette Uy, who attended the event, assured local farmers of the provincial government’s continued support.

“Maningkamot kami nga naay pondo mahatag despite sa kalisod sa atong probinsya, especially mga farmers sa Misamis Oriental nga naa gihapon mga project muabot kaninyo, ayuda sa atong gobyerno,” Uy said.

DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations Atty. Kazel Celeste pointed out that the land distribution is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to recognize farmers as the country’s unsung heroes.

She urged the beneficiaries to protect and preserve their newly titled lands.

“Wag po nating ibebenta dahil makakasa po kayo na tuloy-tuloy lang ang programa nang DAR,” Celeste said.