DAR: Over 2 Million Hectares of Land Still Undistributed in Philippines

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has disclosed that more than two million hectares of agricultural land across the Philippines have yet to be distributed to qualified beneficiaries, underscoring the remaining challenges in completing the country’s long-running agrarian reform program.

According to the agency, the undistributed landholdings are largely affected by legal disputes, ownership conflicts, land conversion applications, and court cases, which continue to slow down the transfer of land titles to farmers. Some areas also involve lands under collective ownership that require subdivision and validation before individual titles can be issued.

DAR emphasized that land distribution remains a priority of the national government, particularly in strengthening farmers’ land tenure, increasing agricultural productivity, and promoting inclusive rural growth. The agency noted that completing land distribution is essential to improving the livelihoods of agrarian reform beneficiaries and ensuring long-term food security.

In addition to land transfer, beneficiaries are entitled to support services, including access to credit, farm inputs, infrastructure projects, and agricultural training. DAR officials said these complementary programs are critical in helping farmers fully utilize the land awarded to them.

The department reiterated its commitment to fast-tracking land distribution through legal coordination, digital land records, and strengthened partnerships with local government units, while also addressing long-standing bottlenecks that have delayed implementation in certain provinces.

As the government pushes to complete the remaining balance of undistributed lands, agrarian reform continues to be viewed as a key pillar of social justice, rural development, and sustainable agriculture in the Philippines.