The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) vowed to further speed up the processing and issuance of public land patents to eligible beneficiaries nationwide, in celebration of the “Handog Titulo” Month this September.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the DENR said this complies with the agency’s Memorandum Circular No. 2019-04, pursuant to its mandate to administer, manage, and dispose of public lands in favor of qualified beneficiaries.
“Pagkakaroon ng sariling lupa ay mahalagang hakbang sa pagpapabuti ng buhay at kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan (Having one’s own land is an important step in improving the lives and livelihoods of our countrymen),” the post read.
The agency said the program champions social justice and bolsters economic development.
The program, in collaboration with the Registry of Deeds and the local government units (LGUs), aims to streamline the land titling process and provide security of tenure to occupants of alienable and disposable lands through administrative titling.
On Sept. 5, the DENR-Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) awarded 177 land titles, including 87 residential free patents, 79 agricultural free patents, and 11 special patents awarded to LGUs and schools in the province of Romblon.
Meanwhile, the agency also distributed 10 residential free patents or land titles covering 58,625 square meters to qualified residents of Barangay Baloganon, Masinloc, Zambales.
The DENR Zambales said since January of this year, over 1,400 residential and agricultural land titles covering over 600 hectares of land in Central Luzon have been distributed.
The DENR said by providing beneficiaries with formal land titles, their legal ownership and protection against land disputes are ensured.
“With a formal title, landowners can use their property as collateral for loans, opening up opportunities for business ventures and financial stability. Titled land generally has a higher market value, which can enhance the economic standing of the beneficiaries. Securing a land title gives individuals and families peace of mind, knowing that their property rights are recognized and protected by law,” it said. (PNA)
