Awareness and Availment of Legal Services on Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries

Abstract

This study assessed the awareness and availment of legal assistance services among agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and tenants in Camiguin Province. It employed a quantitative descriptive-survey design and gathered data from 335 respondents selected from a population of 2,031 ARBs and tenants across Mambajao, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay, and Catarman using Slovin’s formula at a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. A modified survey questionnaire based on the Department of Agrarian Reform evaluation tool was used. The instrument underwent expert validation and pilot testing, obtaining a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.7089. Frequency counts, percentages, weighted means, standard deviations, and one-way analysis of variance were applied. The respondents demonstrated a moderate extent of awareness of legal assistance services (M = 3.15, SD = 0.77) and a moderate extent of availment (M = 3.17, SD = 0.76). Awareness was highest for legal advice regarding Certificate of Land Ownership Award concerns, the location of DAR offices, and support for CLOA cancellation or transfer. Availment was highest for legal advice on land titles, protection against illegal eviction or harassment, free legal assistance, and complaint-filing procedures. No significant differences were found in awareness or availment when respondents were grouped according to age, household size, sharing scheme, or source of income. The findings indicate that DAR legal services were recognized and utilized by beneficiaries, although procedural knowledge and the use of specialized services can still be improved. A targeted action plan emphasizing legal literacy, mediation awareness, complaint-filing guidance, CLOA-related information, and community-based outreach was proposed.