SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) MIMAROPA has distributed free land patents across the region, benefiting 4,839 individuals.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on July 16 in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, DENR MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Felix S. Mirasol Jr. reported that from 2022 to 2024, the department has released 2,820 residential patents, equal to 161.3 hectares and 1,773 agricultural patents, with a total of 2,037.2 hectares.
Also, 246 special patents were released by DENR for local government units (LGUs) and elementary schools.
A special patent, as defined in the DENR Administrative Order No. 2015, is “a public instrument issued by the government confirming the grant by the State of the ownership over a parcel of agricultural land (alienable and disposable) in favor of the grantee.”
“Ito ‘yong sinisigurado natin na yung mga tao natin na may lupa ay magkaroon ng titulo. But not only them, including local government units kasi may mga munisipyo na hindi sila may pagmamay ari kung saan nakaturok ang munisipyo nila,” Mirasol explained.
(We ensure that the people with lands will receive their titles, including the local government units because some municipal halls are built on lands that the LGU does not own.)
Mirasol also emphasized that their program ensures that schools, particularly elementary schools receive their land titles as some are erected on donated lands.
“We make sure that special patent is issued to them (schools)…every one of us will not be here ‘pag wala tayong elementary school kaya we put premium to that endeavor,” he said.
(We make sure that special patent is issued to schools. Every one of us would not be here if not for elementary schools so we prioritize that endeavor.)
A study entitled “Survey of Market Values of Titled Versus Untitled Land in 2008” by the Philippines-Australian Land Administration and Management Project says that having titled land yields benefits such as security of ownership, evidence of ownership, less risk to owners, and protection for children. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA-Occidental Mindoro)
