PENRO, CENRO distribute land titles

The distribution of land titles led by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Negros Occidental and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bago was a significant event under the Handog Titulo Program of DENR.

This program is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting land ownership security and empowering communities by granting legal ownership of residential and public lands.

Seventy Residential Free Patents were awarded for beneficiaries to legally own the residential lands they have been occupying, giving them security of tenure and provides an opportunity to fully utilize and develop their lands, a PENRO statement said.

Three patents were granted to the LGU of La Carlota City enabling it to use these lands for public purposes or community development.

One Patent to DepEd for Haguimit Elementary Schook was also granted so that it can continue to operate and expand its facilities to serve the educational needs of the community.

These land titles were processed under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10023, also known as the Residential Free Patent Act, which streamlines the land titling process for residential lands. The special patents are granted for public lands allocated for government use or institutions like schools, the statement added.

Key officials present at the event included Dr. Rex R. Jalando-on, Mayor of La Carlota City, who emphasized the importance of formal land ownership in driving community progress and development; Edgardo Rostata, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services of DENR Region 6, who reiterated the DENR’s commitment to simplifying the titling process; PENRO Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, who highlighted the collaborative efforts of government agencies in bringing the Handog Titulo Program to fruition; CENR Officer Rosievel Dimatulac, who underscored the role of CENRO Bago in supporting the land management initiatives.

Barangay officials representing the grassroots level of governance, extended their support and facilitated the event.*