~snip
I asked him and he said he knows about it but it's very hard to get, mostly only for big farmers.
I don't think that's true since if they are already "big farmers" then I don't think they are qualified to get land grants as this privilege is for people who can't buy their own lands.
Here are the requirements your friend need in order to apply for a land grant.
Talabis said the requirements for the application of agricultural free patents are as follows:
• Duly accomplished application form;
• Tax Declaration, Deed of Sale, Extra Judicial Settlement or Waiver of Rights;
• Certification from the Municipal Circuit or Regional Trial Court concerned that there is no pending land registration case involving the parcel being applied for;
• Approved Survey Plan with Technical Description or Form V37, if covered with isolated survey;
• Certification of status of land from the Land Registration Authority, if the municipality is under cadastral proceedings or if there is an old survey (Private and Original Survey);
• Certification that the land applied for is alienable and disposable; and
• Documentary stamp
It might look a lot and overwhelming since this are several legal documents needed by the farmer to get and he might need some assistance for him to obtain everything especially he needs to worry about the pandemic and all. But I think the reward of having a free land as well as cutting their cost on buying one is something that he needs to target in if you want to save money and all.