Law Summary
Creation and Supervision of NARRA
- Establishes National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) as a corporation under the President’s control.
- NARRA assumes duties of the Bureau of Lands per Commonwealth Act No. 691, as amended.
- Headed by a General Manager and Assistant General Manager appointed by the President.
Organizational Structure of NARRA
- NARRA has three divisions: Settler Selection and Screening, Translation and Supplies, and Settlement Assistance and Community Work.
- Annual program of activities and budget must be submitted to and approved by the President every fiscal year.
General Powers of NARRA
- Authorized to adopt a seal, own and lease properties, enter contracts, sue and be sued.
- May promulgate necessary regulations to fulfill its functions.
Special Powers of NARRA
- Grant agricultural land to qualified landless Filipino citizens.
- Facilitate settlement, purchase agricultural portions of landed estates.
- Reclaim swamps and marshes for agricultural use.
- Promote community life and development in settlements.
- Borrow funds from credit institutions.
- Survey and subdivide land for farms, townsites, and public use.
- Secure assistance from other government agencies for development projects.
- Engage in all activities necessary to achieve its mandate.
Specific Functions and Assistance to Settlers
- Select and screen qualified settlers prioritizing bona fide tenants, surrendered dissidents, agricultural graduates, trainees, veterans, others.
- Provide transportation assistance and subsistence loans with specific terms.
- Help settlers secure equipment and supplies at favorable terms.
- Assist in housing, community organization, and coordination with government agencies for social services.
- Submit annual reports and financial statements to President and Congress.
- Hire, discipline, and manage subordinate personnel.
NARRA’s Board of Directors
- Composed of a Chairman and five members appointed by the President with Commission on Appointments' consent for three-year terms.
- Responsible for policymaking, adopting by-laws, appointing top officials, and approving budgets.
- Board members receive per diem for meetings.
Custodianship and Administration of Lands
- NARRA is custodian of public lands reserved for settlement and surveyed portions under Commonwealth Act No. 691.
Abolition of LASEDECO and Asset Handling
- Land Settlement and Development Corporation (LASEDECO) abolished.
- Obligations transferred to the Treasury and amortized over 15 years.
- LASEDECO's assets sold, with proceeds supporting settler loans.
- Some equipment may be transferred to settlers’ cooperatives at appraised value.
Appropriations for Settler Fund
- Initial appropriation of 5 million pesos for 1954-55; not less than 8 million annually for 10 years thereafter.
- Funds used as Revolving Fund for colonists under supervision of NARRA and Office of Economic Coordination.
Transfer of Public Agricultural Lands Jurisdiction
- Public agricultural lands under certain Executive Orders are transferred to NARRA.
- Voluntary settlers not receiving direct assistance or qualified homesteaders can still settle such lands.
Financial Assistance via ACCFA
- Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Financing Administration (ACCFA) authorized to loan settlers and cooperatives for establishment.
- Loans require cooperative membership as a condition.
- Amortization terms specified with liens on produce.
Transitional Provisions for LASEDECO Personnel
- Separated employees entitled to retirement benefits, separation pay, gratuities based on service.
- Obligation for gratuity repayment if reinstated.
Liquidation and Transfer of LASEDECO Assets
- President authorized to liquidate LASEDECO assets.
- Transfer of necessary properties to NARRA enabled.
Land Titling and Transfer to NARRA
- All surveyed public lands transferred to NARRA, with patents or deeds issued accordingly.
- Transfers conform to Public Land Act and related regulations.
Penalties for Conflict of Interest and Land Acquisition by NARRA Officials
- NARRA officials/employees prohibited from acquiring land in settlement projects.
- Violation results in removal, imprisonment (1-5 years), and fines (1,000 to 5,000 pesos).
- Using dummies to acquire land incurs same penalties.
- Officials financially interested in contracts or privileges face dismissal, fines, and imprisonment.
Legal Provisions and Effectivity
- Unconstitutional provisions severable without affecting the rest of the Act.
- Prior inconsistent laws repealed.
- The Act takes effect upon approval.