DAR starts ‘LAD Free Iloilo 2022’ drive

By: Lilibeth A. French

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Iloilo is aiming to complete the acquisition and distribution of land covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in the province by 2022.

The plan is the main theme of the “Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) Free Iloilo 2022” drive that was launched on June 18, 2019 as part of the 31st CARP anniversary.

DAR-Iloilo Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Lucrecia Taberna said the campaign is consistent with the thrust of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to complete the distribution of land before his term ends in 2022.

“For the province of Iloilo, by end of June, we are very much hopeful that our annual target for land tenure improvement will be delivered not less than 100 percent,” Taberna said.

To date, DAR-Iloilo has distributed 70,579 hectares to 52,002 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province of Iloilo since the implementation of CARP in 1988.

She said that with the launch of “LAD Free Iloilo 2022” they can now start the identification and validation of land holdings to hasten the land acquisition and distribution processes.

Based on DAR-Iloilo data, Taberna said 13,000 hectares are awaiting land acquisition and distribution and 29,000 hectares for parcelization of Certificates of Land Ownership.

Under Executive Order 75, DAR here has yet to distribute 2,000 hectares of government land.

President Duterte signed EO 75 last February 15 mandating all government agencies to identify land parcels suitable for agriculture and due for distribution under CARP.

Taberna said they have already received a directive from DAR Secretary John Castriciones to start their activities in line with the campaign after they have submitted their funding requirements for human resources to do the job, equipment and vehicle.

“LAD Free Iloilo 2022” launch was attended by DAR 6 officials led by Director Stephen Leonidas held at DAR –Iloilo Provincial Office at St. Clement’s Compound.

This was followed by an ARB Organizations’ forum participated in by representatives from the different ARBOs in the province, DAR partner agencies and media. (PIA)