The distribution of land titles led by PENRO Negros Occidental and CENRO Bago was held under the Handog Titulo Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
According to a press release, the program is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting land ownership security and empowering communities by granting legal ownership of residential and public lands.
Seventy Residential Free Patents were awarded, for beneficiaries to legally own the residential lands they have been occupying, giving them security of tenure and providing an opportunity to fully utilize and develop their lands.
Three Patents were granted to the LGU of La Carlota City enabling them to use the land for public purposes or community development.
One Patent went to DepEd for Haguimit Elementary School so that it can continue to operate and expand its facilities to serve the educational needs of the community.
The land titles were processed under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10023, also known as the Residential Free Patent Act, which streamlines the land titling process for residential lands. The special patents are granted for public lands allocated for government use or institutions like schools.
Officials present at the event included, Dr. Rex Jalando-on, Mayor of La Carlota City, who emphasized the importance of formal land ownership in driving community progress and development. Edgardo Rostata, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services of DENR Region 6, who reiterated the DENR’s commitment to simplifying the titling process. PENRO Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, who highlighted the collaborative efforts of government agencies in bringing the Handog Titulo Program to fruition. CENR Officer Rosievel Dimatulac underscored the role of CENRO Bago in supporting the land management initiatives.
Barangay officials, representing the grassroots level of governance, extended their support and facilitated the event.*
