DENR-7 exceeds survey target

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 overshot its target for land surveys and mapping in Central Visayas by at least nine percent.

 At least 744,123 hectares of land or 109 percent of the total target of 683,950 hectares in the region were already identified and mapped, determining the political boundaries of local governments, as well as the properties of private owners.

 Total surveyed land covers 201 barangays in 75 towns and cities within the region from 2007 to 2014, according to the Cadastral Survey Program.

 Bulk of the 744,123 hectares or 656,732 hectares is in political boundary, while 87,390 hectares are privately-owned lots.

 Political boundary surveys covered 12 municipalities in Cebu; 15 municipalities in Bohol; 17 municipalities in Negros Oriental; and four municipalities in Siquijor. Lot surveys, on the other hand, covered 18 municipalities in Cebu and 9 municipalities in Bohol.

 Based on the records of DENR-Technical Services’ Surveys and Mapping Division, political boundary surveys in 13 municipalities and cities in Cebu have been accomplished, including in Tuburan, Argao, Minglanilla, Cebu City, Compostela, Talisay, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Dalaguete, Cordova, Bantayan and Tabuelan.

 The completed lot surveys are in the municipalities of Boljoon, Danao, Ginatilan, Samboan, Carcar, Alcoy, Borbon, Tabogon, Consolacion, San Francisco, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Alcantara, Carmen, San Remegio, Sogod, Catmon and Malabuyoc in Cebu Province.

 Further, DENR has also surpassed the 7,000 target lots for Isolated Land Surveys last year.

 Engineer Fe Baquirquir, Isolated Surveys Division chief, said they were able to survey 19,906 lots equivalent to 2,399 hectares or 284 percent.

 DENR-7 director Isabelo Montejo stressed the importance of land surveys to identify and delineate individual claims of all land owners and claimants. — (FREEMAN)