DENR-7 grants over 20T free patents in CV

CEBU, Philippines -  The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has granted a total of 20,486 free patents covering 9,443.1269 hectares of untitled public alienable and disposable (A and D) agricultural lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program  Extension program as of December 26, 2012 in Central Visayas.

Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 regional executive director said that this is the biggest accomplishment so far in the region, and even in the entire country when it comes to land titling efforts of the government.

Of the total number of land titles distributed under CARP, Cebu Province processed and issued 4,896 land titles covering 2,394.5184 hectares; Bohol with 14,254 land titles or equivalent to 6,086.0633 hectares; Negros Oriental with 728 land titles or 641.6081 hectares while Siquijor  with 608 land titles or 320.9371 hectares.

In a statement, Montejo said that the country’s land services is a must as it will redound to the overall productivity of idle lands in the country and will ultimately boost economic prosperity.

In accordance to Republic Act No. 3844, otherwise known as the Agricultural Land Reform Code, the DENR is primary responsible for the distribution and land disposition through the issuance of free patents or homestead patents for public agricultural A and D lands.

Montejo said the DENR will also accelerate the issuance of titles in 2013 of close to 21,000 patents as it is supportive in spurring economic growth and land security in line with President Aquino’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

 To recall, Montejo instructed all provincial and community environment and natural resources officers to keep a close watch on land title fixing within their respective area of jurisdiction and to report immediately certain officials or individuals so that appropriate charges will be filed against them.— /MBG (FREEMAN)