In the small town of Jiabong, Samar, Juliana Cabubas feels a profound sense of relief and gratitude as she holds her newly awarded Certificate of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM).

For Juliana and her husband, this document represents much more than just a piece of paper; it signifies a significant transformation in their lives.

The couple, who received a 1,893-square-meter farm lot under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), is now free from unpaid amortizations totaling over P1,400.

The recent initiative by the Department of Agrarian Reform has alleviated over P8 million in unpaid land amortizations for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Samar province.
This achievement was made possible by distributing COCROMs during a two-day event that positively impacted the lives of 401 recipients, including Juliana.

We are so grateful for this help given to us by the president that we are relieved of a financial burden,” she expressed, her smile wide with gratitude.

“This support from our government, especially President Bongbong Marcos, means so much to us,” she added.

The distribution was not just about certificates; it represented hope for a better future. Covering 728.3497 hectares of farmland in different places in Samar, the initiative aims to empower ARBs to utilize their awarded land productively.

Segundino Pagliawan, provincial agrarian reform program officer of DAR Samar, highlighted the need to maximize these plots to support the government’s food security program.

This is not just about ownership; it’s about responsibility to our community and our country,” Pagliawan stated during the distribution in various towns, including Basey and Calbayog City.

The government’s support includes debt relief and the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to 92 ARBs. Of these, 87 beneficiaries received individual e-titles through the World Bank-funded SPLIT Project, which aims to improve land tenure security.
For families like Juliana’s, this provides financial relief and encourages them to cultivate their land as a source of sustenance. With debt lifted, they can invest in farming and contribute to national food security.

(AAC, PIA Samar, with reports from Jose Alsmith L. Soria, DAR’s Information Officer)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre cast his vote early Monday morning at Barugo II Central School in his hometown of Barugo, Leyte, joining millions of Filipinos participating in the 2025 midterm elections.

Acidre underscored the importance of civic engagement and called on voters nationwide to exercise their right to vote.

“Every vote is a choice for the kind of future we want to build,” he said. “Today, we are not just electing leaders—we are shaping the direction of our communities and our nation.”

The lawmaker, who is seeking re-election under the Tingog party-list, has been actively campaigning across the country. He highlighted Tingog’s commitment to expanding grassroots services through its network of Tingog Centers and continued delivery of medical, livelihood, and social assistance programs.

As the elections progressed, Acidre expressed hope for a peaceful and orderly process. He also extended his gratitude to poll workers, volunteers, and local communities for their vital role in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral exercise.

“Our democracy depends not only on the leaders we elect, but also on the people who ensure the fairness and transparency of the process,” he added.

Tingog party-list is seeking another term in the House of Representatives, vowing to sustain its service-driven platform and push for inclusive development, particularly in marginalized and underserved areas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A smoother and safer travel experience is on the horizon for residents of Dulag, Leyte, as the Department of Public Works and Highways – Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (DPWH-L2DEO) reports that the construction of a new circumferential road is now 88.09% complete.

The ongoing project connects Barangay Highway to Barangay Combis, providing an alternate route that will help ease congestion in the town center while improving access to remote communities.

“This road project is part of our commitment to bring infrastructure development closer to the grassroots level,” said District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura.

“By connecting key barangays and neighboring communities, we are creating more efficient routes for daily transportation and economic activity.”

The road works include the construction of a 6,239.07-meter Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), installation of concrete-lined canals for better drainage, stone masonry, and reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings to improve safety, especially at night.
Once completed, the project is expected to enhance inter-barangay mobility, facilitate faster access for farmers and students, and improve emergency response times in far-flung areas.

The project is funded under the General Appropriations Act for Calendar Year 2024 with a total allocation of P142.8 million. Completion is targeted for July 5, 2025.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)