Romblon tribal group receives land titles

MANILA, Philippines — After waiting for six years, members of the Ati tribe in Romblon were recently awarded land titles by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

DAR Secretary Bernie Cruz led the distribution of certificates of land ownership award, covering 67.3411 hectares l in Barangays Pandan and Magsaysay in Sta. Fe town.

Cruz said the land, which was previously owned by Domingo Realty Inc., was subjected to compulsory acquisition.

“The agency’s support to the ARBs (agrarian reform beneficiaries) under CARP (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program) does not end in the distribution of land. It will continue to provide support services to help boost their economic lives,” he said.

Cruz said the DAR’s thrust is consistent with the government’s directive to fast-track the distribution of land under CARP.

Meanwhile, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) launched shelter projects for members of the Higaonon tribes in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

DHSUD Secretary Eduardo del Rosario led the signing of a memorandum of agreement and groundbreaking ceremonies for five housing projects.

The housing construction and land development projects are in line with the department’s mandate of providing Filipino families, especially the underserved, including indigenous peoples, access to decent, sustainable, resilient and affordable housing.

Up to 250 housing units will be constructed in Barangay Kibanban in Balingasag town and Minalwang in Claveria, Misamis Oriental; Kamagong in Nasipit and Bokbokan in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, and Sinakungan in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.