Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the government has successfully distributed over 400,000 land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) over the last four years. He emphasized the administration's commitment to finalizing the cancellation of outstanding agrarian debts within the year.

According to Philippines News Agency, in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa, President Marcos highlighted the dual objectives of ensuring farmers' secure land ownership and providing relief from their long-standing financial burdens. "Sa loob ng apat na taon, lagpas apat na raang libong titulo na ang suma-total ng ating naipamahagi na sa kanila, na may kabuuang lawak na mahigit limandaang libong ektarya. Tatapusin na natin ang pamamahagi ng mga titulo sa susunod na taon," stated Marcos, indicating that the title distribution effort will be completed next year.

The President underscored the ongoing initiatives led by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) designed to assure ARBs of their land rights. He noted the prolonged wait faced by many beneficiaries, with some having waited between three to six decades to receive their titles. Marcos acknowledged the generational impact, remarking on cases where grandchildren were the ones to receive the titles originally intended for their forebears.

Furthermore, Marcos declared the government's intensified efforts to absolve ARBs of their debts, considering debt relief as crucial as land ownership itself. "Kaya asahan ninyo na kukumpletuhin na natin ngayong taon ang ginagawa nating pagpapawalang-bisa ng mga utang ng ating mga benepisyaryo," he affirmed.

Additionally, Marcos mentioned that DAR is continuously offering support services to beneficiaries. These include irrigation projects, farm-to-market roads, farm machinery and equipment, and access to credit, all aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.

Despite the progress, the President reminded Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III of the work that lies ahead. "Kaya, Secretary Conrad, huwag mong iisipin na puwede ka nang mag-retire. Marami ka pang trabaho na gagawin sa DAR," he said humorously, underscoring the ongoing efforts required to fulfill the department's mission.