THE DIRECTIVE of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to expedite land distribution marks a significant stride in the Philippines’ agrarian reform journey. The President’s order, issued during a land title distribution event in Passi City, Iloilo, underscores a renewed commitment to agrarian reform, a pivotal issue in the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
Agrarian reform has long been a subject of intense debate and action, stemming from the country’s history of land concentration in the hands of a few. By ordering the DAR to hasten land transfers to deserving beneficiaries, the President is not only continuing a legacy of reform but also addressing contemporary challenges faced by Filipino farmers.
The government’s assurance of continued support to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) is laudable. The provision of fertilizers, machinery, and other facilities is a crucial step in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. This support is not just about transferring land; it’s about ensuring that the beneficiaries have the necessary resources to make the most of their new assets.
The turnover of P26.7 million worth of farm machinery, equipment, and tissue culture facilities, along with P10.8 million worth of tractors, mobile rice mills, and other tools, reflects a comprehensive approach to agrarian reform. These measures are not mere token gestures but essential components in empowering farmers, who have long been marginalized in the country’s economic narrative.
Moreover, the Cash and Rice Distribution program, launched in Iloilo as a joint initiative of the House of Representatives and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, is another commendable effort. Providing immediate relief to 3,000 indigent beneficiaries through rice and cash assistance addresses the immediate needs of the poor while the long-term benefits of agrarian reform take root.
The House’s commitment to making rice affordable reflects a broader understanding of the issue. It’s not just about land distribution but also about ensuring food security and affordability, crucial aspects of national stability and progress.
However, while these initiatives are promising, the real challenge lies in their implementation and the continuous support to the beneficiaries. It is essential that these programs are not hampered by bureaucratic red tape or political maneuvering. The success of agrarian reform depends on transparent, efficient, and fair distribution processes, coupled with long-term support systems that help beneficiaries thrive.
The government’s commitment must be unwavering, and its actions, consistent and effective, to ensure that this initiative does not become another missed opportunity in the long history of Philippine agrarian reform.
