Over 5,200 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Iloilo and Guimaras have been freed from debt following the release of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) on Saturday.

Led by Department of Agrarian Reform Undersecretary Jesry Palmares, 7,039 CoCRoMs were distributed at Iloilo Sports Complex, covering a total of 5,465.12 hectares valued at PHP314.66 million.

Palmares cited the year-long effort to secure the documents, emphasizing their significance as proof of legitimate land ownership that beneficiaries can pass on to future generations.

In addition to CoCRoMs, 479 titles for 473.97 hectares were granted to 351 ARBs under the Newlands project.

Meanwhile, 1,100 electronic titles covering 879.98 hectares were also distributed to 710 ARBs under the Support to Parcelization of Lands to Individual Titling project.

Barotac Nuevo farmer Pura Barquila expressed gratitude, saying the condonation would allow them to invest in land cultivation rather than paying amortization.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. highlighted the critical role of ARBs as pillars of agriculture and the economy, noting that government support for agriculture would be channeled through agrarian reform communities, which also serve as hubs for barangay-based agro-tourism programs. (PNA)