The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has agreed to help the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) secure the land title to its 29-hectare Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. 

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. P. Catapang Jr. said on Thursday, April 3, that he signed last March 31 a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with DENR Officer-in-Charge Regional Executive Director Felix S. Mirasol Jr. for securing the land title.

“If you have a land title, it serves as the legal basis for ownership, providing a solid foundation for any transactions or actions related to the land,” said Catapang.

The BuCor explained that, under the MOA, “DENR will conduct an actual ground delineation survey to validate land cover, vegetation, slope, elevation, and land classification.”

It said "the DENR will also prepare recommendations for the issuance of a Presidential Proclamation or Special Patent to officially recognize BuCor’s land ownership."

On the part of BuCor, the bureau "will be responsible for securing and submitting all necessary land-related documents, such as titles, tax declarations, and clearances.”

“The Bureau will also provide funding for expenses related to the survey and documentation process,” it also said. 

Catapang noted that, apart from the IPPF, the BuCor also has other properties in the Philippines.

“The BuCor maintains and administers several public lands across the country through various methods, including presidential proclamations, executive orders, donations, and more,” he said.