Duterte orders inclusion of NPA surrenderees to land distribution program

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech after leading the ceremonial distribution of the Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to the Region 10 beneficiaries held at the USTP Gymnasium, Claro M. Recto Avenue in Cagayan de Oro City on October 31, 2018. ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the inclusion of New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderees in the next round of government’s land distribution program.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Duterte issued the order during the 34th Cabinet meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday night.

Duterte has regarded land reform as his government’s cornerstone in solving the country’s longstanding problems with communist insurgency.

He has also vowed to distribute to land reform beneficiaries all government-owned land within his term.

During the meeting, Panelo said the Duterte Cabinet tackled government programs to allow small farmers greater access to loan facilities.

“The Landbank President discussed its Accessible and Sustainable Lending Program for Small Farmers or ASL Farmers Program, among others,” Panelo said.

“Landbank also made mention that 361,000 farmers with existing individual Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) will be qualified for a bank loan,” he added. /kga