THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Bukidnon has launched the Condonation Response Desk (Cord) to implement the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (NAEA), or Republic Act (RA) 11953.
This landmark legislation even aims to bring significant benefits to over 5,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province.
Under the NAEA, agrarian reform beneficiaries are granted a greater degree of autonomy and empowerment in managing their lands and agricultural enterprises.
The legislation aims to address historical injustices faced by farmers, ensuring their land rights are protected and allowing them to fully participate in the agricultural sector.
The establishment of the Cord by DAR in Bukidnon signifies the government’s commitment to supporting agrarian reform beneficiaries.
The desk will serve as a dedicated unit responsible for processing and resolving agrarian-related issues and concerns.
Through this initiative, farmers can seek assistance, clarify doubts, and receive guidance regarding their rights and entitlements as ARBs.
Regional Director Zoraida Macadindang of DAR-Northern Mindanao said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the NAEA into law on July 9 this year, which condones all loans, including interest, penalties, and surcharges incurred by ARBs from land awarded to them.
“The Cord aims to liberate ARBs from debt bondage, giving them leeway to boost productivity. Agrarian reform lawyers will be stationed at the quick response centers to aid in processing the applications of ARBs for debt condonation and amortization under RA 11953 or the NAEA,” Macadindang said.
The law’s benefits for ARBs include exemption from payment of estate tax and mandatory inclusion in the Registry System of Basic Sectors in Agriculture to give them easy access to support services of the Department of Agriculture, she added.
With the implementation of the NAEA and the establishment of Cord, over 5,000 ARBs in Bukidnon are expected to experience improved living conditions and enhanced agricultural productivity.
The act intends to provide farmers with greater access to resources and support systems, enabling them to develop sustainable farming practices and increase their income.
Moreover, the NAEA also promotes comprehensive agrarian reform, emphasizing the importance of farmer training and capacity building.
Through various interventions, such as technical assistance and skill development programs, farmers will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to improve their agricultural practices and productivity.
The New Agrarian Emancipation Act is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the agricultural sector in Bukidnon.
As ARBs gain more control over their land, they are encouraged to explore new farming techniques, adopt modern technologies, and diversify their crops, ultimately leading to increased farm productivity and competitiveness.
In addition to benefiting individual farmers, the NAEA also aims to secure the long-term sustainability of agricultural lands.
This legislation protects farmlands from illegal conversions, discourages land grabbing, and contributes to the overall stability of the agricultural sector.
By preserving these vital resources, the NAEA ensures that future generations of farmers will have access to fertile lands for cultivation.
The launch of the Cord catalyzes progress, enabling the smooth implementation of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act.
The desk acts as a centralized platform where farmers can voice their concerns, seek redress for grievances, and access the resources they require for successful farming operations.
Overall, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act and the establishment of the Cord in Bukidnon mark an important milestone in addressing the needs and rights of agrarian reform beneficiaries.
By promoting secure land tenure, farmer empowerment, and sustainable agriculture, this legislation seeks to uplift the lives of thousands of farmers and ensure the long-term prosperity of the agricultural sector in Bukidnon.
Lawyer Mitchell Talatala, representing Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, said the city government wholeheartedly backs the DAR programs.
“The New Agrarian Emancipation Act has waived debts and fees, including real property tax condonations for our agrarian reform beneficiaries. It made a significant impact on their lives,” Talatala said.
Meanwhile, DAR-Bukidnon Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Jammal Pangandaman asserted that the new agrarian reform law empowers farmers to affirm and protect their rights.
“Agrarian reform is not just a set of policies. It is a social justice movement. It revolves around empowering farmers, the marginalized, and landless individuals,” he said. (With a report from PIA-Bukidnon)
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