TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued a total of 3,067 land titles to residents, farmers, schools, and government offices in the Cagayan Valley Region.

According to the Land Management Bureau, there were 2,004 land titles for residential areas; 1, 001 for agricultural areas of farmer beneficiaries; 27 special patents for schools, and 35 for government sites distributed as of December 31, 2023, in the different parts of the region. 

Regional Director Gwendolyn C. Bambalan said the processing and issuance of the titles and patents is under the 'Handog Titulo' program of the department designed to expedite the processing of public land patent applications and their issuance to eligible applicants.

She also said the program aims to increase the distribution of land titles to combat poverty and stimulate growth and development, especially in the countryside. 

"We are happy that we were able to complete the process for the titling for these beneficiaries. They secured absolute ownership of their respective lands. We hope that they will nurture it and use the lands to improve their lives," Bambalan said. 

In one of the distribution ceremonies, Tumauini, Isabela Mayor Venus Bautista expressed her gratitude for the distribution of land titles to her constituents. 

"The beneficiaries are indeed fortunate to have received this support from the government and the DENR. They have been dreaming of this one and it came into reality,” the mayor said. 

Antonio Javier, a beneficiary, said he is very much thankful because the land title he has been longing for is now in his hands. 

"This is the best gift to us and my family. I am now a senior citizen and I now have something to leave to my children. Thanks to the government," he said.

Rebecca Valdez, principal of Sinamar North Elementary School in San Mateo, Isabela, commended the DENR for its assistance in processing the school’s acquisition of land title. 

Bambalan also extended her gratitude to LGUs for their continued support of the programs of the department, especially in making sure that their constituents can avail of the free titling program of the government. 

She also clarified that a survey of untitled alienable and disposable lands as part of the titling process is free.

She further encouraged the public to come to the nearest community environment office to be assisted in their titling concerns. (OTB/PIA Region 2)