Cordova accelerates issuance of land titles

CEBU, Philippines - The municipality of Cordova will constitute a cadastral council to provide advice and oversight functions in the execution of a program to accelerate the issuance of land titles.

This came after Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 Regional Executive Director Maximo Dichoso signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Cordova Mayor Adelino B. Sitoy to expedite the issuance of land titles, under the Residential Free Patent Act or RA 10023.

“The DENR recognizes the need to improve land administration and management at the local level to fast track the titling of public alienable and disposable lands,” Dichoso said.

A free patent on residential land covers untitled residential lands in public alienable and disposable lands that are zoned by local government units as residential areas. Actual occupants of a residential land for at least ten years may apply for a free patent title.

Dichoso said this partnership agreement with the municipality of Cordova shows the seriousness to implement measures to hasten the issuance of land titles to spur economic growth and security of land tenure.

As stipulated in the MOA, the DENR-7 will be assigning Land Management Officers from Community and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices or regional office to the titling program and the titling office.

They will also be providing all the necessary and pertinent records, surveys, maps and other data.

“The DENR-7 will be instituting express lanes to facilitate the speedy approval of plans and issuance of certifications, provide technical assistance and conduct surveys, land adjudication, training and capacity building on public administration and management including the relocation and delineation of territorial boundaries between adjacent local government units,” Dichoso said.

The municipality of Cordova will be facilitating the titling of lands owned by the LGU through the passage of an ordinance which shall constitute the creation of a local titling program, titling office, adjudication teams, and information office, and create a cadastral council. (FREEMAN)