Dreaming of finally owning land with your name on it? The DAR e-Title distribution process can turn that hope into reality.
This program ensures agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) move from collective ownership to individual electronic titles, giving farmers legal security and greater access to opportunities.
Keep on reading ‘till the end to learn the step-by-step process, benefits, and what you need to know before receiving your e-title.
What Is the DAR E-Title Distribution Process?
The e-Title distribution is part of Project SPLIT (Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling). Many ARBs previously held collective Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs), which often caused disputes and confusion. Under Project SPLIT, these collective titles are divided into individual e-titles.
Unlike paper titles, e-titles are created electronically and come with modern anti-forgery features comparable to security banknotes. They are recognized under the Torrens title system, making them just as legally binding as traditional titles.
Why it matters:
- Legal certainty – Individual ownership replaces collective uncertainty.
- Modern safeguard – Electronic titles are secure and forgery-resistant.
- Streamlined ownership – The process ensures each farmer has clear documentation.
Step-by-Step Guide to the DAR E-Title Distribution Process
1. Identification of Covered Land and Beneficiaries
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) first identifies lands under collective CLOAs that need to be subdivided. Beneficiaries are listed and grouped by parcel. This step ensures only qualified ARBs are included.
2. Field Validation and Surveying
DAR then conducts field validation and hires geodetic engineers to survey the land. This step involves:
- Marking the exact boundaries of each parcel
- Preparing technical descriptions for each lot
- Resolving disputes about overlapping claims
This is the most crucial stage since it transforms one large collective title into clearly defined smaller lots.
3. Administrative Processing by DAR
After surveys, DAR processes documents to create individual land records. They check compliance with agrarian reform laws, verify ownership status, and finalize parcel assignments.
At this point, ARBs may be asked to confirm their information and sign supporting documents.
4. Registration of E-Titles via the Land Registration Authority (LRA)
Once documents are complete, DAR forwards them to the Land Registration Authority (LRA). The LRA then:
- Generates electronic titles
- Registers them under the Torrens system
- Embeds anti-forgery and security features
This ensures each e-title is valid, recognized by law, and ready for release.
5. Formal Distribution of E-Titles to ARBs
After registration, DAR holds distribution events in partnership with local governments. In many cases, titles are personally handed to farmers during ceremonies. Some regions also use the “DAR to Door” program, where officials deliver titles directly to farmers’ homes.
By the end of 2024, DAR had already distributed 174,111 hectares worth of e-titles, with a 2025 target of nearly 400,000 titles nationwide.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an E-Title
1. Prepare the Required Documents
- Owner’s Duplicate Copy of the land title
- Valid government-issued ID
- Tax Declaration and latest Real Property Tax Receipt
- Notarized Special Power of Attorney (if someone else is applying)
- Supporting documents for annotations (if any)
2. Visit the Registry of Deeds (RD)
Go to the RD where your land title is registered. Conversions are handled at the local level.
3. Request for Title Conversion
Inform RD staff you want to convert your manual title into an e-title. They’ll provide forms and a checklist.
4. Submit Your Documents
Hand over the requirements for verification and processing.
5. Pay the Processing Fee
Fees vary depending on location. Ask the RD for the exact amount.
6. Wait for Confirmation
Once approved, the RD digitizes your title and issues a paper copy of the digital title (your new Owner’s Duplicate Copy). The original is stored electronically.
Timeline and Recent Progress (2023–2025)
- 2023: Over 50,000 land titles were released.
- 2024: This doubled to more than 100,000 e-titles nationwide.
- 2025 target: 396,430 e-titles covering nearly 400,000 hectares are set for release.
These figures show that DAR is accelerating the distribution process to benefit more farmers who have waited decades for land ownership security.
Benefits of the E-Title System
The e-Title distribution is more than paperwork—it transforms lives.
- Security – Digital safeguards prevent fraud or duplication.
- Accessibility – Farmers no longer need to wait years for titles.
- Efficiency – Electronic records mean faster processing and fewer backlogs.
- Economic empowerment – With a valid title, ARBs can access loans, government aid, and programs.
- Inheritance planning – Farmers can pass down secure ownership to their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an e-Title?
An e-Title is an electronic land title with advanced anti-forgery features, issued under Project SPLIT to agrarian reform beneficiaries. - Who is eligible?
Farmers who previously held collective CLOAs are eligible to receive individual e-titles. - Who issues the e-Titles?
DAR processes the applications, while the Land Registration Authority (LRA) generates and registers the electronic titles. - Are e-Titles legally binding?
Yes. E-titles are recognized under the Torrens system and have the same legal strength as traditional land titles. - How long does the process take?
Timelines vary, but recent reports show thousands of e-titles being distributed within a year per region. The speed depends on survey completion and administrative clearances. - Can I sell or transfer my e-Title?
Yes, but transfers must comply with agrarian reform laws. Some titles have restrictions on sale or mortgage within a certain number of years. - What should I do if my name is missing from the beneficiary list?
You should immediately coordinate with the nearest DAR provincial or regional office for verification and appeal.
Watch: Thousands of ARBs Receive Land Titles, ₱75M Support from DAR
On July 17, 2025, the Department of Agrarian Reform led farmers from Panay and Guimaras into the City of Passi Arena to receive formal land titles and debt-free certificates.
DAR delivered over ₱175 million in assistance, equipping beneficiaries with seeds, tools, technical training, and market linkages.
This moment freed farmers from past obligations, unlocking access to fresh credit and planting seeds of hope across rural communities.
Project SPLIT carried its momentum from signing to turnover, weaving a new chapter in land ownership and community resilience.
Thousands of families now hold proof of ownership, ready to cultivate their fields and harvest brighter futures.
Conclusion
The DAR e-Title distribution process is one of the most significant reforms in Philippine land ownership. By transforming collective CLOAs into individual electronic titles, DAR is not only modernizing land administration but also empowering farmers with legal, economic, and social security.
If you’re a beneficiary, knowing the process—from identification and surveying to LRA registration and final release—can help you prepare and claim your rightful ownership. This step forward is more than paperwork; it’s a foundation for dignity, livelihood, and future opportunities for Filipino farmers.