DENR-7 suspends land titling in proposed protected areas

CEBU, Philippines - Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has suspended all activities relating to land titling in areas proposed for declaration as protected areas.

Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso said that the suspension is based on DENR Memorandum Order No. 2011-04, which provides the guidelines in regulating all activities, projects and land uses in all areas proposed for inclusion in the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

In Central Visayas, 12 sites are proposed for declaration into protected areas.  Of the 12, three are from Cebu. These are Sibonga River Watershed in Sibonga, Basak River Watershed Reserve in Badian, and the Liloan Protected Landscape/Seascape.  

In a statement, Dichoso said DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje has indicated that the move is to ease environmental pressure caused by human settlements on areas that naturally maintain ecological processes, provide life support systems, and preserve biodiversity.

 In the said order, the suspension covers survey and processing of all public land applications (PLAs) for titling purposes. 

The same order, however, clarified that the suspension shall only be effective on the actual date of submission of the draft proclamation by the DENR’s regional office, which has jurisdiction over the area, to the DENR Central Office in Quezon City.

 Dichoso added that also suspended starting on the same date is the processing of applications for lease, license or permit of any project or activity within the identified area, as well as the acceptance of new applications “except for projects that are compatible with the objectives of the NIPAS”.

 In cases, however, where the Office of the President decides to disapprove the proposed proclamation, the DENR shall lift the suspension on said activities.

 Protected areas, as defined in Republic Act No. 7586 or the NIPAS Act, are portions of land and water with unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biodiversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. 

Protected areas are categorized as nature or resource reserves; natural parks, monuments, or biotic areas; wildlife sanctuaries; protected land or seascapes; or as established by law, conventions or international agreements. — (FREEMAN)