LANAO DEL SUR – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) successfully conducted the 1st Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) Provincial Conference on November 18, 2024, at the International Convention Center, MSU Campus, Marawi City.
The event, spearheaded by MAFAR-Lanao del Sur through its Agrarian Reform Services Division, brought together key stakeholders, local government units (LGUs), and partner agencies to discuss pressing concerns and milestones in land reform initiatives.
In his welcome message, Atty. Khalid D. Ansano, PABE, highlighted the significance of Executive Order No. 75, which mandates the distribution of unused government land to qualified beneficiaries, including the Camp Keithley Military Reservation spanning three municipalities and one city in Lanao del Sur.
He emphasized the importance of land titling in fostering peace and security, urging support for MAFAR programs to uplift communities.
Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D. delivered the keynote address where he commended the collaborative efforts of LGUs, agencies, and stakeholders, announcing a historic milestone. “For the first time in Lanao del Sur and BARMM, MAFAR will distribute Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) under EO 75 on November 28, 2024, in Cotabato City.”, he said.
Represented by Atty. Faisal Cali, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur also showed support by delivering a keynote address.
The event also featured key presentations, including the opening remarks from BDG for MAFAR Agrarian Reform Taugan S. Kikay, Ph.D., Overview and Backgrounder by MAFAR Agrarian Reform Director II Tong D. Pinguiman, and the Tenurial Status, Needs, and Concerns of ARBs by Chief of Agrarian Reform Services Rocaina A. Mindalano-Camar.
Messages of support poured in from LGUs, including Piagapo and Marawi City, as well as partner agencies such as BYC, MBHTE, MENRE, MTIT, and BHRC. Deputy Chief Minister Ali B. Solaiman also graced the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in ensuring the success of agrarian reform initiatives.
The conference concluded with a closing message from Dr. Aisah A. Sanggacala, MAFAR Deputy Minister, who extended her gratitude to all participants and commended the collective effort in making the event a success.
