Manila: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has expressed confidence in its ability to distribute over 161,815.67 hectares of agrarian reform land to farmers within the next three years, aligning with the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term.

According to Philippines News Agency, the assurance came during a Senate budget hearing where DAR addressed concerns over reports suggesting the distribution process could take 47 years. Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros raised the issue during deliberations on DAR’s proposed 2025 budget of PHP10.090 billion, to which Senator Cynthia Villar, defending the DAR budget, responded that DAR Secretary Condrado Estrella III was adamant about completing the task much sooner.

“So, malayo po doon sa ibang na-uulat na it would take another 47 years? Tantsa po ng DAR, three years?” Hontiveros queried, highlighting the discrepancy between reports and DAR’s estimates. Villar confirmed that Secretary Estrella firmly rejected the prolonged timeline, emphasiz
ing that the administration had sufficient time to complete the distribution.

This year alone, DAR has already distributed over 61,623 hectares to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). As of September 30, Secretary Estrella reported that DAR had awarded 146,017 land titles, covering a total of 175,105 hectares, to 146,780 ARBs nationwide.

Following discussions, DAR’s proposed budget was adopted. Senator Villar expressed hope for the approval of DAR’s budget, emphasizing the importance of continuing agrarian reform efforts to enhance the lives of farmer beneficiaries, who are crucial to the country’s food production.