Approximately PHP98 million worth of land assets were distributed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to beneficiaries in Capiz province during the recent Bagong Pilipinas Caravan of Services.
The DENR Region 6 team, led by OIC Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Edgardo M. Rostata, and Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Ernest C. Federiso, supported the event, which took place on October 12-13, 2024, at the Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City.
The DENR, through its Provincial ENR Office led by PENRO Federiso, facilitated the release of 67 land patents to beneficiaries from the municipalities of Panitan, Pilar, Dumalag, and Dumarao.
Under its Handog Titulo Program, the DENR Region 6 awarded 45 agricultural free patents, covering a total of 487,306 square meters, with an estimated value of PHP46 million. These were received by 18 male and 27 female beneficiaries.
Additionally, the PENRO Capiz distributed 20 residential free patents, covering a total area of 5,114 square meters, valued at approximately PHP52 million. Fourteen male and six female beneficiaries received these titles. The valuations were based on current zonal assessments in the province.
Two special patents were also awarded: one for the Benlit Elementary School site in Bilao, Sapian, which was received by School Principal Nestor C. Besana Jr., and one for the local government of Dumalag, accepted by Mayor Maria Concepcion T. Castro. No zonal valuations were available for these patents, but they provide significant land security and investment potential for the recipients.
PENRO Capiz also distributed 1,600 seedlings of native and fruit trees, including Narra, Rain tree, Balitbitan, Lipote, Cacao, Guyabano, Palma, and Uyauy/Lamog, to various stakeholders.
On-site services during the caravan included the issuance of Gratuitous Permits, Certificates of Wildlife Resources, and processing for other permits. One individual inquired about a Gratuitous Permit, while three clients were assisted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), including an online submission of a Self Monitoring Report (SMR), an Environmental Compliance Certificate application, and a discharge permit renewal.
Additionally, two inquiries were made about water permits—one from an individual and another from the Dumalag Water District. Another client asked about the requirements for a proposed land donation for small-scale quarry use, which was referred to PENRO Capiz.
“This initiative brings quality government services closer to the people we serve daily. It reminds our stakeholders that their government is ready to assist them whenever needed. As public servants, we must serve the people and provide solutions to their questions, even dilemmas, in the best way we can,” said DENR Region 6 OIC Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla. (DENR)
