LAOAG CITY, Dec. 29 — The provincial government completed this year’s “Natalged a Titulo” program with the distribution of 300 land title certificates to beneficiaries in Pagudpud town.
Provincial Assessor Erme Labayog, in a report during the provincial government’s radio program over Bombo Radyo, said the distribution of certificates in Pagudpud mark the end of this year’s land titling program.
“We will process and award more land titles next year. The project has gone a long way in helping land claimants since we began last year,” he said.
Labayog said the provincial government shoulders all fees and expenses in processing certificates.
The program took effect in August last year through Executive Order 50-11 that Governor Imee Marcos issued to help Ilocanos obtain their titles on alienable and disposable lands that they have long been occupying.
The program is also in support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resource’s Administrative Order that Secretary Ramon Paje issued for field DENR officers to facilitate the processing of free patents by collaborating with local government units.
The DENR encouraged LGUs to incorporate land titling activities in their respective programs as a means to provide speedy resolution in areas where land conflicts exist.
The program also contributes to peace and order in the community, improves LGU income through increased collection of real property taxes and increased economic investments.
The DENR has been providing seminars and trainings to all deputized LGU land investigators/inspectors in land title processing from interviewing land claimants, conducting ocular inspection of lands to preparing documents and evidences of public land applications.
The LGUs were also encouraged to create Cadastral councils and establish their own land information office within their jurisdictions. (Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon)
