Sariaya farmers seek government action on CLOA dispute

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Farmers in Sariaya press national and local officials to address land classification issues affecting their CLOAs. (K...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Farmers in Sariaya press national and local officials to address land classification issues affecting their CLOAs. (Katarungan-Kilusan para sa Repormang Agraryo at Katarungan Panlipunan)

SARIAYA, Quezon - Hundreds of agrarian reform beneficiaries gathered in Barangay Manggalang Kiling to raise concerns about the cancellation of their Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA). Nearly three decades-old land titles that were nullified by court rulings have left affected farmers without formal ownership documents for the land they continue to cultivate.

In 2021, the Supreme Court upheld lower court decisions canceling the CLOAs issued to agrarian beneficiaries in parts of Sariaya, affirming earlier findings on land classification. The ruling stated that certain portions of the property were not officially classified as agricultural land at the time the titles were awarded.



The disputed properties are located in Barangays Manggalang Kiling, Concepcion 1, and Pinagbakuran and were distributed to farmer-beneficiaries in 1997 under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). The legal dispute began after courts ruled that portions of the land had been classified for non-agricultural use under a 1982 municipal zoning ordinance.

Appeals have also been directed to President Bongbong Marcos and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III for possible action within existing laws. National agencies responsible for agrarian reform retain authority to review inspection findings and ensure compliance with land-use regulations.

A 2018 municipal zoning ordinance classifies the area as agricultural under updated land-use rules and guides current planning and development decisions in the municipality. Efforts are now underway to reopen the Supreme Court case to address differences between the earlier and later zoning classifications.

The Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) has not yet completed its review of previous site inspections and consultations conducted in the area. A formal resolution from the council would clarify the current status of the land classification and provide guidance for both farmers and local authorities.

Concerns over the cancellation of long-held land titles were central to the farmers’ appeal during the gathering, with participants describing the issue as a threat to their livelihood and security of tenure. Many said the loss of formal ownership documents has created uncertainty about their future on the land.

“Maraming taon na naming sinasaka ang lupaing ito at dito na umikot ang buhay ng aming mga pamilya. Hindi namin maintindihan kung bakit tila kami ang nawalan ng karapatan sa lupaing may titulo na kami. Umaasa kami na mabibigyan ito ng malinaw na solusyon ng pamahalaan,” said Danny Carranza, secretary general of Kilusan para sa Repormang Agraryo at Katarungang Panlipunan (KATARUNGAN).

The group also questioned what they described as conflicting signals in the implementation of agrarian reform policies. They pointed to what they see as a contradiction between continued land distribution programs and the cancellation of previously issued titles in their community.

“Kung sinasabi ng gobyerno na tuloy-tuloy ang pamimigay ng lupa sa mga magsasaka, bakit kami na may CLOA na ay pinabawi pa? Hindi namin hinihingi ang sobra, ang hinihingi lamang namin ay ang maibalik ang aming karapatan. Nais naming magkaroon ng katiyakan sa lupang aming pinaghirapan,” Carranza added.

Calls were also made for accountability and a closer review of the administrative process behind the revocations. Participants urged national authorities to examine whether proper procedures were followed and whether affected beneficiaries were given clear explanations.

“Nananawagan kami sa pambansang pamahalaan na imbestigahan kung may pagkukulang sa proseso. Hindi ito laban sa kaunlaran kundi laban para sa aming kabuhayan at kinabukasan. Sana ay pakinggan ang tinig ng mga magsasaka na matagal nang nakaugat sa lupaing ito,” Carranza said.

While legal remedies are being explored through the courts and government agencies, developments within the affected communities have also drawn attention. Community members reported that individuals had approached farmers about cutting coconut trees in affected barangays, raising questions about possible changes in land use.

Coconut farming remains a source of income in the area, and large-scale tree cutting is often associated with preparation for development activities. Reports of on-site inquiries have added a practical dimension to what has largely been a legal dispute.

At the same time, circulating reports have linked San Miguel Corporation, led by Ramon Ang, to possible construction projects within the municipality. As of press time, no official confirmation of a finalized land purchase or approved project in the cited barangays has been released by the company or concerned government offices.

Requests for comment were sent to San Miguel Corporation regarding the reported plans, and no formal response had been issued at the time of publication. The Department of Agrarian Reform has previously stated in similar cases that disputes over land classification are resolved through the courts and established government procedures.

At the local level, the Sangguniang Bayan of Sariaya passed a resolution on February 3, 2026 expressing support for the affected farmers and recognizing their role in local food production. Despite the council’s action, Mayor Marivic T. Gayeta has not issued an official statement on the matter as of press time, and no separate position from the municipal executive office has been made public.

Farm production in the disputed areas continues to supply crops to markets within Quezon province and nearby areas, supporting local trade and household incomes. No new court rulings or policy changes related to the dispute have been announced as of publication, and the legal status of the affected land remains unchanged.