DAR confident land distribution to be finished on time

Manila, Philippines - Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes expressed optimism that the agency can finish the land distribution program in time, citing that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program extension with reform (CARPer) Law offers definitive guidelines on land valuation that can convince landowners to be more cooperative.

De los Reyes said that many landowners are actually supportive of the program but are wary about the compensation package previously offered by the government. This resulted in the filing of numerous cases seeking better compensation.

“The situation will be reversed now that production aspect of the land is given more premium in land valuation today. It is here where the big difference lies,” the secretary said.

He added that if it is closer to the urban center, it would help one get a fair price.

The DAR chief said that landowners can expect higher compensation depending on the productivity of their lands.

“The idea is to reward those who maximize the production of their lands. Generally, however, it’s not the price of the land that matters most. Many landowners still believe in the beneficial effects of the program to the lives of the rural folk,” he said.

In Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, DAR Regional Director Alexis Arsenal said 42 hectares of the Hacienda Paz II were distributed to 52 farmer-beneficiaries, thanks to the sudden change of heart by the landowner who voluntarily placed his property under the program.

Arsenal said the distribution of the 41.8 hectares of agricultural lands was made possible after landowner Luiggi Batizztuzi recognized the importance of the program in improving the economic well-being of farmer-beneficiaries.

He reminded farmer-beneficiaries that the awarding of pieces of farm lands to them has accompanying obligations on their part to pay the annual amortization and real estate taxes.