DAR: Some Luisita beneficiaries fail to submit documents

MANILA, Philippines - Not all those identified farmer-beneficiaries (FBs) in Hacienda Luisita will be installed in their assigned farm lots, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Anthony Parungao said several FBs did not claim their lot allocation certificate (LAC), and failed to sign the corresponding application to purchase and farmer’s undertaking (APFU).

The DAR said at least 171 farmers did not undergo these two steps, which are required for FBs to be finally installed in the farm lots allocated for them.

LAC is the document that FBs receive during the lot allocation, while the APFU is the legal document required by law and needed by the Land Bank of the Philippines to be signed by the beneficiary in which he confirms his willingness and ability to fulfill obligations like paying amortizations.

Parungao said there are 6,041 FBs with registered certificates of land ownership award. Of this number, 5,894 FBs have been installed.

“We target to finish installing them within the next two weeks. However, in the case of the 171 FBs, around 30 only forwarded requests that they be given another chance so that they can be finally installed in their lots. It’s up to the secretary if their requests will be granted,” he said.