By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John Castriciones has warned the agency’s employees against acquiring lots within DAR’s resettlement projects and other agrarian areas.
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John Castriciones
(DAR / MANILA BULLETIN)
Through DAR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 3, Series of 2019, Castriciones said sanctions await personnel who process applications “resulting in the transfer of lots in DAR administered resettlement projects to individuals/entities who are not actually qualified beneficiaries under the agrarian reform program.”
The DAO outlines new rules and procedures in the disposition of home lots in barangay sites and residential, commercial and industrial lots in town sites within DAR resettlement projects.
It aims to accelerate the completion of titling of the parcels of land in the resettlement projects of DAR.
It also describes qualified applicants as Filipino citizens who are residents of the concerned barangays, at least 18 years of age, and should be “willing to occupy and have the aptitude to improve/develop the home lot or other lots within the project.”
Rebel returnees and those affected by disasters or calamities may also apply.
Meanwhile, award limits are set at a maximum of 1,000 square meters in aggregate of residential and commercial lots per applicant.
The mode of disposition, cost of lots, and terms and manner of payments, among other details, were also specified in the AO.
“AO No. 1, Series of 1992 and all orders, circulars, memoranda, rules and regulations or portions thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby revoked or canceled accordingly,” Castriciones said in the order.