By Alma L. Tingcang
PAGADIAN CITY - It was one momentous occasion in the life of the recipients.
On the 61st
founding anniversary of the province of Zamboanga del Sur, 154 beneficiaries
received their residential land titles through Republic Act (RA) 10023 or the
Free Patent Act which was held on Sept. 16 at the Megayon Stage, Provincial
Government Center, Dao, this city.
The beneficiaries come
from Pagadian City and the municipalities of Bayog, Guipos, Mahayag, Molave,
Pitogo, Ramon Magsaysay, San Pablo and Vincenzo Sagun.
During the awarding
ceremony, Dumalinao town mayor and Zamboanga del Sur League of Municipalities
of the Philippines (LMP) President Ace William E. Cerilles, said his father,
then congressman and now governor of the province, Antonio H. Cerilles had authored
RA 10023.
“RA 10023 is a law that
authorizes administrative issuance of free patents on residential lands to
every qualified Filipino with no land title,” the young mayor said.
This means that claimants
do not need to go through lengthy, tedious and other demanding court processes
to gain access to residential lots that they have been occupying and
cultivating for a minimum of 10 years.
He said the process has
been made easier and more accessible for claimants to own the land. “Aside from
that, you did not spend much because the services of a lawyer are not
required,” Mayor Cerilles told the beneficiaries.
“In fact, this is the only
law in the Philippines giving a chance to residents to own the land that they
have been occupying for a minimum of 10 years. This is just a formalization of
your ownership, a form of security for your property,” the mayor happily
announced.
“We all know that land titles are very
important especially for those who are living in the countryside. Because of
these land titles that you now possess, you can have a sound sleep. And your
great grandparents will never need to be afraid that the land where your house
stands will be taken away from you,” he assured.
Mayor Cerilles
congratulated the certified new landowners and said, “seeing your smiles make
me proud of my father who is the author of this act. Not only Zambosurians were
able to benefit and own a parcel of land because of this law, but millions of
Filipinos are now certified land title holders,” he added.
Mayor Cerilles, together
with Pagadian City Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones and DENR Regional Executive Director
Atty. Arleigh J. Adorable distributed the residential land titles with the
assistance of PENRO Dr. Adelaida Borja, Provincial Register of Deeds Atty.
Ricardo Z. Dioso and City Register of Deeds Atty. Samrollah M. Dekire. (PIA9)