By Maria Caroline A. Lopez | May 18, 2026

GUIMBA, Nueva Ecija (PIA) — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has erased nearly P200 million in agrarian debts of more than 2,400 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Central Luzon.

A total of 3,545 ARBs received Certificates of Condonation under Republic Act No. 11953, effectively canceling unpaid land amortizations, including interests and surcharges.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III reiterated that the initiative is part of his commitment to fast-track the implementation of agrarian reform programs and complete the distribution process within his term.

He emphasized that the condoning of debts is anchored on the law. 

“Sa ilalim ng New Agrarian Emancipation Act o RA 11953 na pinirmahan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos noong ika-7 ng Hulyo 2023, lahat ng pagkakautang ng mga magsasaka na sakop ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program at iba pang batas sa repormang agraryo ay kanselado na kabilang ang interes at surcharges,” he said. 

(Under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act or RA 11953 signed by President Bongbong Marcos on July 7, 2023, all debts of farmers covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and other agrarian reform laws have been canceled, including interests and surcharges.)

Estrella has been credited for the passage into law of Republic Act No. 11953, which he personally initiated in his first few days in office. 

The DAR chief also said that over P190 million in farmers’ debts have been wiped out, allowing beneficiaries to redirect their resources toward farm productivity and other livelihood opportunities.

In addition, DAR distributed regular and electronic land titles, credit assistance worth over P16 million, and scholarship grants under the DAR Scholarship Program for Dependents of ARBs (DSP-DARB), in line with the observance of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month and the agency’s efforts to support the agriculture sector.

Nueva Ecija recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 2,777 Certificates of Condonation, followed by Aurora with 205, Zambales with 180, Bataan with 177, Tarlac with 99, Bulacan with 87, and Pampanga with 20.

DAR Regional Director Eric Francis Luna reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to uplift the lives of ARBs in the region.

“We will be relentless in distributing Certificates of Condonation as mandated by law and in ensuring a better life for our ARBs in Central Luzon as envisioned by Secretary Estrella,” Luna said.

The distribution forms part of DAR’s continuing efforts to strengthen land tenure security and empower farmers toward increased productivity and self-sufficiency. (CLJD/MCAL, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III hands a Certificate of Condonation to an agrarian reform beneficiary during a distribution activity in Central Luzon, marking the cancellation of land amortization debts under Republic Act No. 11953. (DAR)