By Philippine News Agency
The government on Tuesday distributed about 500 agricultural patents to Ilocos Norte farmers.
Brenda Tamayo of Bangui, Ilocos Norte said she is thankful that she is now holding a proof of ownership of land her family has been tilling for a long time.'
“I am so happy that finally, I have secured my land title. This is an answered prayer,” said Tamayo, among the 500 new land owners who received agricultural patents under Republic Act 6940.
Victor Dabalos, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of the Ilocos Norte, said the Handog Titulo Program aims to lessen boundary conflicts and confirms ownership of land occupants.
As part of the 10-point agenda and priority programs of the Duterte administration for improved land administration and management, Dabalos said the program works both ways for the government and its people.
“This is in line with our President’s desire to promote social justice through equitable distribution of lands in order to spur progress and development. It increases the collection of real estate taxes too,” he said.
“For landowners, it gives them security and peace of mind and they can make use of the land titles as collateral when they seek for financing in the bank,” he added.
Tuesday’s distribution of agricultural patents was led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, Land Registration Authority, Department of Agrarian Reform and the Regional Trial Courts.
The certificates of original land title were handed to farmer beneficiaries by no less than DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu during the ceremonial launching of Tayo ang Kalikasan movement at the Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center in Barangay Balacad this city.
In addition, the DENR also released five special patents under Section 4 of Republic Act 10023, covering the Bangui National High School, Lanao National High School, Camp Valentin S. Juan in Laoag City, and the local stations of the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire in Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte.
The land titling program, locally known as “Titulo a Natalged: Sagut ni Ilokano”, was launched in 2011 with the aim to resolve issues of land ownership in the province.
Through the REGALA (Revenue Generation and Land Administration Reforms) project and free land titling program, local government units in Ilocos Norte now have a systematic land information and efficient transactions on real properties.