DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo underscored that land tenure security is vital to agricultural development and rural prosperity. 

“By issuing agricultural free patents, we are empowering farmers to unlock the full potential of their land, driving productivity, and fostering economic resilience in rural communities," he said.

He added that the agency will expand and fast-track land title applications to communities, so that security of tenure may be provided to beneficiaries while local productivity is maximized.

In addition, Pablo highlighted that granting land titles to women is a way of recognizing their significant role in promoting land rights and management.

"Stronger women’s rights to land and productive assets are linked to a wide range of benefits such as improved living conditions, better nutrition and food security, better health, higher earnings, and local productivity," he stated.

DENR’s Handog Titulo program aims to push forward rural development and create opportunities for economic advancement by empowering farmers with land tenure security. (CLJD/JLDC-PIA 3)