CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the Registry of Deeds and the office of Oriental Mindoro  RepresentativeArnan C. Panaligan distributed land titles to 60 beneficiaries through the ‘Handog Titulo Program’ at Barangay Fortuna, Socorro on January 15.

Government officials, community leaders, and residents witnessed the formal handover of land titles to the beneficiaries, who are mostly members of the indigenous people’s (IPs) sector of Fortuna, Socorro.

This move is part of the government's goal in increasing the distribution of land titles to combat poverty and stimulate growth and development.

Out of the 60 beneficiaries, 49 were IPs who were eligible for the program. The 49 beneficiaries will receive a total of 2.3 hectares of land. The other 11 are from various barangays of the municipalities of Victoria and Pinamalayan.

Panaligan emphasized the importance of this initiative.

"Today marks a significant step towards recognizing the rights of our indigenous brothers and sisters. Land titles not only secure their home and livelihood but also empower them to participate more actively in local development," said Panaligan.

Meanwhile, DENR Mimaropa OIC regional executive director Red Felix Mirasol, Jr. expressed the department's dedication to supporting indigenous communities, saying, "The DENR is committed to fostering inclusive development. He also added that the activity is a whole of nation approach, that it would not be possible without the aid of various agencies whose mandate is to help the poor and those who are in need.”

Meanwhile, barangay officials and community leaders expressed their gratitude for the government's commitment to recognizing the rights of their people, especially the IPs. (JJGS/PIA MIMAROPA)