DENR-7 distributes land titles to 210 beneficiaries

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas has intensified the distribution of land titles to private landowners in Metro Cebu and in other towns and cities in Cebu province.

DENR-7 technical director Wilfredo Lee made this announcement during the first free patent title distribution in Barangay Binaliw in Danao City last Tuesday.

A total of 210 title recipients from barangays Quisol and Malapoc attended the gathering held at the barangay sports complex.

Lee said the land survey was conducted in Danao City some time in 2008 and after six years, they were able to release an initial of 210 free patent titles to the beneficiaries.

Lee admitted they encountered problems in the implementation of the program before.  It was learned that the delay was due to the payment required by the Register of Deeds.

Engineer Leonides Martel, head of Land Titling Property in Danao City, said that Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III instructed him to closely coordinate with the DENR-7 for the issuance of land title to private landowners.

Martel said that during their initial inquiry, only five percent of the total land owners in the city were titled while the rest did not even have tax declarations.

Durano allegedly emphasized this recent move as one of the priority programs under his administration, said Martel.

Martel said the support of Durano and the City Council is the reason they were able to implement the project.

Martel also acknowledged Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Jose Cleo Colis who provided support to the city government during the implementation.

Danao City Legal Officer Edmund Lao said landowners should protect and preserve their title because it would be hard to request for a second copy once it gets damaged or lost.

 Felisisimo Giango, 80, of Barangay Quisol, said he was happy now that he has finally received the title of his land.

“Nalipay ko nga sa nahabiling mga adlaw sa akong kinabuhi, nakadawat ra gyud ko sa titulo sa akong yuta,” said Giango. — (FREEMAN)