BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform in the Caraga Region (DAR-13) simultaneously launched Condonation Response Desks (CORDs) across the region on Monday for the efficient implementation of the Republic Act (RA) 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act.
“These CORDs will also serve as a one-stop-shop for our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) where they can make inquiries on their issues and concerns,” Christian Lafuente, DAR-13 information officer, said in an interview.
Likewise, the desks will serve as assistance centers for the ARBs in carrying out the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11953, especially on the condonation of their existing loans and amortization from the Land Bank of the Philippines.
“A regionwide orientation on the IRR of RA 11953 will also be facilitated after the laying out and preparation activities,” Lafuente said, adding that the help desks are strategically situated in the DAR provincial offices in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao del Norte.
In addition, a separate CORD center was established at the DAR Regional Office in this city while the CORD in Surigao del Norte will also cover the province of Dinagat Islands.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed RA 11953 on July 7, 2023, which seeks to condone the estimated PHP57.55-billion amortizations of around 610,054 ARBs in the country.
DAR-13 data shows that more than PHP1 billion worth of amortization will be covered by RA 11953 and will benefit some 10,945 ARBs in the region. (PNA)
