The Department of Agrarian Reform is set to distribute 106.1756-hectare contested agricultural land in Agusan del Norte.
Secretary Bernie Cruz said the disputed 106.1756 hectare-landholdings of JC Agri-Development Inc. (JCADI) properties in Dona Rosario, Tubay Agusan del Norte, would be distributed soon and are just awaiting the detailed orders from the Office of the President.
“I assure you that our process of acquisition and distribution is on its way. We are here to discuss the survey and validation of landholdings as well as the funds needed,” said Cruz during his recent dialogue with the Unyon sa Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN) in the said town,” he said.
He cited that they need to begin identifying qualified and deserving farmer-beneficiaries of the lands.
The 106.1756 hectare-land, which was part of a 210.2195-hectare property owned by JCADI, had an approved land use conversion application per DAR secretary’s order on June 23, 2010.
On Aug. 11, 2017, UMAN petitioned that the 106.1756 hectares with approved conversion be acquired and awarded to their members/farmers.
The DAR central office rendered an order sustaining the revocation of the approved conversion order in January 2021. In August of the same year, an appeal of both the cancellation of the conversion order was interposed by JCADI to the Office of the President.
The DAR chief said they have already received news that the case has a resolution in favor of the farmers and they are just waiting for a more detailed order from the Office of the President.
Of the 210.2195-hectare property, the other 104.0439 hectares was also opposed by JCADI. In 2012, they filed a protest/opposition for the issuance of the notice of coverage to the landholdings. In 2013, the DAR regional office denied their opposition.
