Over a thousand farmers in Central Mindanao suddenly became the owners of the land they till while even more agricultural workers had their debts wiped clean on Thursday.
This, after President Marcos distributed 1,251 Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) and 13,527 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCROMs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the region now known as ‘Soccsksargen.’
Speaking to a crowd of beneficiaries from Sarangani, Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, the President highlighted the significance of the move, which erases P939 million in loans, including interests and surcharges, for 11,709 ARBs.
“In summary, almost one billion pesos of our farmers’ debt will be canceled,” Mr. Marcos said during the event.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure secure land ownership for farmers, in line with his father’s vision.
“He wants the farmers to own the land they are working on,” President Marcos reflected, recalling the land reform efforts of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
The President also encouraged beneficiaries to invest their savings into improving their livelihoods.
“Your accumulated payment for these can now be used for other needs,” he said, urging farmers to enhance productivity with new equipment.
The President vowed to continue working towards a resilient agricultural sector and a more developed economy.
“In the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’, our dream is to together reach a better future, a resilient agriculture, and a more developed economy,” he told beneficiaries.
Earlier on Thursday, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing the Davao region, which sits adjacent to Soccsksargen, expressing confidence that key infrastructure projects would be completed before the end of his term in 2028.
He also pledged full support for initiatives promoting tourism and the arts, emphasizing their role in driving economic growth and cultural pride.
During a visit to Panabo City, Mr. Marcos highlighted major infrastructure undertakings, including the Tagum City Bypass Road, the Island Garden City of Samal Circumferential Road, and the Carmen-Tagum City Coastal Road.
The first two projects are expected to be completed by 2026.
“These projects will ease traffic, speed up transportation, and enhance business, tourism, and agriculture in the region,” the chief executive told residents.
He assured them he would return to inaugurate these projects, underscoring their potential to transform the region’s economy.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s focus on supporting the agricultural sector.
“The government continues to strive to provide you with projects that will help grow your farms and strengthen the agriculture sector,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Marcos writes off P678M in farmers’ debt in Davao”
