1,600 receive agricultural titles in Danao City

CEBU, Philippines - At least 1,600 lot claimants in Danao City finally received their agricultural titles.

Around 82 of the titles were distributed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 during a mass title distribution conducted on January 22 at the Barangay Cogon Cruz covered court.

 The distribution, which was in partnership with the local government unit of Danao City and the Asia Foundation and Foundation for Economic Freedom, was the first wave this year.

  “It shows the seriousness to implement measures to accelerate the issuance of land titles to spur economic growth and security of land tenure,” DENR-7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said.

 “We have been doing our best to further intensify our efforts to fast track the processing and issuance of patents in region 7, so that for this year we will once again meet if not exceed our targets,” Montejo added.

Agricultural patent is the confirmation of imperfect or incomplete titles, over alienable and disposable public agricultural lands thru administrative procedures.

These patents are acquired by natural-born Filipino citizens by virtue of their open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession of alienable disposable public agricultural lands, for at least 30 years, tacked to the possession of their predecessors-in-interest.       

Montejo, in a statement, indicated that DENR is willing to facilitate the speedy approval of plans and issuance of certifications, and provide technical assistance and conduct surveys, land adjudication, training and capacity building to expedite issuance of patents.

 DENR-7 gears up to complete its target of issuing 1,690 agricultural and 1,805 residential patents for 2016. — (FREEMAN)