TARLAC CITY, Tarlac: Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano has revealed that majority of agrarian reform beneficiaries have either sold, mortgaged or leased the lots awarded to them despite a 10-year ban on such move under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. After the CLOA distribution, he presided over distribution of 10 tractors to farmers in the province that was held at Barangay Balete where the RCBC property is located. The DAR secretary said the CLOA distribution is part of the government’s defense of rights of farmers under Republic Act 3844 enacted during the time of former President Diosdado Macapagal. The Land Bank of the Philippines was established to help implement the land reform program, particularly in the purchase of agricultural estates for division and resale to small landholders and the purchase of land by the agricultural lessee. According to him, the law also mandates the government to provide support like training, equipment and livelihood opportunities to farmers.

Source: Manila Times April 26, 2017 12:56 UTC