DENR-7 cancels 15 cadastral survey projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has ordered the cancellation of 15 cadastral survey projects in three provinces in Central Visayas.

This after an inventory made by DENR-7 showed that certain contractors and geodetic engineers abandoned necessary activities and left them unfinished after the period stipulated in the contract; failed to correct survey defects within a prescribed period; and failed to return survey project records and other violations of the contract.

Based on the report released by the legal division, six projects were in Cebu, eight in Bohol, and one in Negros Oriental.

Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 regional executive director said that the cadastral survey program is seriously pursued by DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje as it is instrumental in efficient patent distribution and accelerating countryside development.

The cancellation stemmed from the inventory jointly conducted by the legal division and the office of the regional technical director for Land Management Services.

Montejo stressed the blacklisting and disqualification of these contractors or geodetic engineers from participating in any future DENR activities such as surveys and mapping, among others.

All sums of money collectible or payable to these individuals are also forfeited in favor of the government.

He also mentioned the filing of appropriate complaints for breach of contract in close coordination with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

Citing previous failed cadastral surveys, Montejo said that the environment office is sending a strong message to all their existing contractors that they will closely monitor all their activities and they want to make sure that deliverables on their part will be put to a critical evaluation.

It may be recalled that Secretary Paje issued DENR Administrative Order

No. 2011-05 directing the Land Management Bureau to conduct an inventory and establish a database of abandoned cadastral survey projects.

Montejo, in a statement added that President Benigno Aquino III has given the DENR marching orders to hasten and complete the cadastral surveys in the country in support of the government’s various projects such as land titling, land use planning, taxation and internal revenue allotment program for the different municipalities nationwide. — (FREEMAN)