DAR distributes lands, installs 13 farmers in Sibulan

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, June 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Negros Oriental distributed an lands to and installed 13 farmer-beneficiaries in Sibulan town on June 19, 2012. 

Said farmers are beneficiaries of an eight-hectare landholding formerly owned by Julieta Pintor in Maningcao, Sibulan, according to DAR information officer Gherelene Mae Rafols. 

Certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) were turned over to the farmer recipients during the activity. 

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Stephen Leonidas, in his message during the installation rites, said the activity is not the end but the start of the farmers’ role as owners of the land. 

He explained that while the department has a clear direction to help the beneficiaries, the agrarian recipients should also do their obligation and responsibilities particularly in their payment of taxes and annual amortization of the land to the LandBank of the Philippines (LBP). 

Rafols said among those who attended the installation ceremony was DAR chief of legal assistance division Atty. Louie Naranjo, Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer Benjamin Empig, and Philippine Coconut Development Manager Brendan Transmonte of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) here. 

Trasmonte has committed to help the beneficiaries through technological skills and projects since large tracts of the landholdings are planted with coconut trees. 

“PCA can offer a wide range of services and programs for coconut farmers,” said Rafols. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)