DepEd inks deal with DPWH for titling of school sites

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education has signed an agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways to hasten the titling of school sites across the country that are yet to be registered with the education department.

In a statement, Deped Secretary Jesli Lapus said the issue has to be addressed as soon as possible to ensure that the operation of schools would not be disrupted to avoid displacement of school children.

Lapus and DPWH Secretary Victor Domingo signed the agreement to facilitate the prompt issuance of clearances required for the titling process.

DepEd said that the titling of public schools will protect public schools from encroachment, segregation, illegal occupation, and adverse claims of ownership by other individuals or parties.

DepEd earlier identified some 8,000 sites that have been continuously occupied by public elementary and secondary schools, which were donated by private individuals as well as government entities, but have not been transferred, registered or titled under DepEd.

In 2007, DepEd signed an agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agrarian Reform, which places DENR responsible for the survey of public and privately owned lands covered by Deeds and Donation, field validation, and preparation of draft proclamations for approval by the President.

On the other hand, DAR shall facilitate the issuance of the Deeds of Transfer of school sites that are located in resettlement areas and landed estates that it administers.

DPWH endorsement/clearance is among the prerequisites to DENR’s preparation of presidential proclamations reserving lands for public purposes.

DepEd will likewise provide DPWH the profiles of 5,000 school sites that will require DPWH clearances.

DPWH, along with other government agencies, has given DepEd its assurance of full support in the local, regional and central office levels to speed up the issuance of suitability clearances. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)