Aerial view of Boracay Island
QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is set to begin its distribution of 25 hectares of agricultural land in Boracay Island.
According to DAR Undersecretary David Erro, this will be the first phase of land distribution that will prioritize the initial 80 members of the internally displaced Ati tribe as beneficiaries.
Erro clarified, however, that the said 25 hectares of land are not yet suitable for rice farming so the agency advised farmers to plant coconut trees instead.
Meanwhile, Erro said the Phase 2 of the land reform will cover a total of 220 hectares of land with existing structures. He added that such structures may be demolished if necessary. However, farmers will need to cover the area with about 1 to 3 feet of topsoil to make it productive.
“Iyong produkto nila ibibigay doon sa pangangailangan ng mga establisyemento doon. In the same manner na iyong mga establisyemento doon parang meron na silang ready supply,” said Usec. Erro.
(Their products will be sold to surrounding establishments. In the same manner, establishments will always have a ready supply.)
The remaining 623 hectares will form part of Phase 3 of land distribution which will be awarded to indigenous people and some 200 displaced residents in the island.
As directed by President Rodrigo Duterte, DAR will leave a portion of the island for tourism. DAR is proposing the use of one-kilometer easement from the shoreline of the white beach for commercial or tourism purposes.
DAR has prepared the draft executive order for the distribution of agricultural land which it is about to submit to the President for signing.
Meanwhile, DAR has forewarned the beneficiaries of the land reform of penalties and sanctions should they attempt to violate the conditions of land distribution such as the selling of the awarded property. — Rey Pelayo
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