A total of 1,582 farmers from Zamboanga Peninsula are expected to receive their certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) comprising a total area of 2,653 hectares of agricultural lands, according to the top official of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III led the initial distribution of the CLOAs last Tuesday. The farmers who would receive their CLOAs are from the following provinces: Zamboanga Sibugay, with 819 CLOAs covering 1,373 hectares of land to 764 ARBs; Zamboanga del Sur, with 441 CLOAs covering 628 hectares to 441 ARBs; and, Zamboanga del Norte with 403 CLOAs, covering an area of 652 hectares benefiting 377 ARBs.
The distribution of the CLOAs is in line with government’s aim to boost agricultural productivity, Estrella was quoted in a statement as saying.
The government will also turn over P8.6 million worth of support services to the farmers composed of farm equipment, machinery and facilities.
The DAR said they would give the following to farmers in Zamboanga del Sur: two units of processing centers; two units of water tank collectors; a vermiculture production center; three units of three-wheel multipurpose motorcycles with canopy; a hauling truck; and, a unit of corn sheller. These carry a tag price of P3.34 million.
In Zamboanga Sibugay, a total of P2.75 million worth of support services will be distributed, the DAR said. These would include the following: two multi-purpose buildings; five power tillers with complete implements and tillers; rice thresher; a mud boat with complete tools; and, a water tank.
The DAR said the agency would give farmers in Zamboanga del Norte the following: a hauling truck; warehouse; forage shredder; vermi shade; five heads of cattle; four egg machines; and, a rainwater collector. These carry a cost of P2.60 million.