ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has distributed 15 Residential Free Patent Titles to residents of the town of Rizal in Zamboanga del Norte.  

The"Handog Titulo" initiative aims to speed up the approval and issuance of public land patents to qualified applicants across the country. 

This program seeks to increase the distribution of land titles as a means to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth and development.

Land title beneficiaries in Rizal thanked the government for the continuous efforts to help fast-track the release of their land titles, which are now legally recognized and protected by law.

"Nalipay mi, ug dako among pagpasalamat! Diin karun nakadawat na gyud mi sa among dugay na nga gihandom nga titulo sa among mga yuta. Nanghinaot usab kami nga dili lang kani ang permiro ug last nga programa, kundi naa pay musunod ani nga makatabang sa mga katawhan sa Rizal,” said  Zandro Pormento, one of the beneficiaries of the program.

(We are very happy and greatly thankful! We have finally received the long-awaited titles for our lands. We also hope that this will not be the only and last program, but that there will be more to follow that can help the people of Rizal.) 

The DENR Zamboanga Peninsula led the distribution activity through its Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Zamboanga del Norte and CENRO Piñan, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Rizal and the Provincial Registry of Deeds.

In a message relayed by PENR Officer Julsadjiri, DENR Regional Executive Director Arturo E. Fadriquela thanked the LGU of Rizal for their commitment to environmental conservation and protection. He also acknowledged the LGU's understanding of the importance of land titling and their initiative in sponsoring the release of the titles.

"This very first Handog Titulo Program is a rewarding endeavor and seen as a gauge for hope, fostering harmonious relationships within our communities, thus reducing land disputes and fostering trust and cooperation,” he noted.

Mayor Marissa D. Manigsaca also thanked the DENR for their support and ongoing partnership with the local government in implementing the first Handog Titulo Program in the municipality, which she believes will empower families and communities as a whole.

Rizal is a fifth-class municipality in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, with a population of about 15,000. (EDT/CCP/PIA9 with reports from DENR-9)