Landowners close to getting titles

CEBU, Philippines - Private landowners in the three municipalities of Bantayan Island and two islands in Daanbantayan town are now a step closer to their dream of having titles to their properties.

This is after the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources approved the bill filed by Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon converting the three-town Bantayan Island and the islets of Carnasa and Malapascua in Daanbanta-yan into agricultural, commercial, residential, tourism and for other similar productive purposes.

The lands in Madridejos, Sta. Fe and Bantayan town as well as in Carnasa and Malapascua are lands under public domain because these areas, which total to about 13,313 hectares have been declared “wilderness” by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 2151.

Because of this, they cannot be alienated and disposed of.

Earlier, Salimbangon was worried that the passage of his bill might be delayed because of the ongoing impeachment trial but Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, approved all pending House Bills related to the conversion of lands under public domain and ordered the committee secretary to prepare the corresponding reports for plenary discussion of legislation which have been approved by the house. 

The islands of Banta-yan, Malapascua, and Carnasa are all found in the 4th District of Cebu Province and are famous for their pristine, white sand beaches.

While Bantayan Island is composed of the municipalities of Sta. Fe, Banta-yan, and Madridejos, the islands of Malapascua and Carnasa form part of the Municipality of Daanbantayan. These islands are among the favorite destinations of local and foreign tourists.

Lot owners and even authorities in the municipalities to which these islands belong, have been in quandary especially on land use and zoning because of the classification which prevents their properties from being issued land titles.

Salimbangon has been pushing for the reclassification of these islands as he considers it a major factor for the development of the fourth district.  (FREEMAN)