DENR distributes land titles in Bontoc, Southern Leyte

By PURIFICACION S. DALOOS
February 2, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  As part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ thrust of improving the socio economic condition of the people through optimal utilization of lands, Free Patent Titles were distributed to qualified beneficiaries at the municipal plaza of  Bontoc, Southern Leyte on January 22, 2007.

The total of 660 Free Patent titles distributed to the qualified beneficiaries covers a total area of 671 hectares of alienable and disposable lands in the 25 barangays of Bontoc.

The distribution of Free Patent or land titles was the result of the massive information drive conducted in the different barangays of Bontoc  by the personnel of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Maasin, Southern Leyte now headed by CENR Officer Floriano Leonor.

In his message during the distribution activity, Regional Technical Director Ramon S. Unay of the DENR Land Management Service stressed that the DENR is trying to bring its services closer to the people especially in the barangays through its land titling services.  “Before, land title applicants would go to our office to apply for title.  Now our field personnel through the cooperation of barangay officials gather title applications right in your own barangays.” said RTD Unay.

Register of Deeds Chief Crispin Mardoqueo, Jr. brought good news to the beneficiaries that all titles issued in connection with CARP after the enactment of the CARP Law in 1988 are exempt from registration and other fees with the Register of Deeds.  Patents issued prior to the enactment of the CARP law, however, shall be charged minimal amount of fees.

Bontoc Mayor Pedro Fustanes, Jr. thanked the efforts of the DENR as well as the Register of Deeds and his town officials for facilitating the land titling services for his constituents.  “We should avail of this Land Titling Program of the GMA administration under the DENR which is a great opportunity,” Mayor Fustanes said.

RTD Unay also urged the beneficiaries to keep their titles in a safe place.  “It is very tedious and expensive to reconstitute a lost or damaged title because it has to pass through court proceedings. Land title is also very important as it secures ownership or occupation over the land.  It can also provide as capital because it can be offered as collateral for loans and other legal purposes.” RTD Unay quipped.

Patent recipient Rafaela Salva, 64 years old said she is happy to receive her title.  She is confident that her adjacent land owner can no longer question her possession.  “Now nobody can take away the right from me.  I will religiously pay the taxes on said land.” she quipped.

Natividad Edillo, 57 years old of Barangay Malbago, said she is very happy because her title was issued even if she has no money to pay for the cadastral cost of the two parcels of land.  “I can settle it anytime with the DENR in Maasin”, she said.