𝗦𝗨𝗬𝗢, 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿 - Due to some land matters that beset the Local Government Unit of Suyo, Ilocos Sur the legislative body of the LGU headed by Vice-Mayor Hon. Samuel B. Subagan, Jr. convened together, and invited officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 1 led by Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo and other government institution officials through Resolution No. 236-2023 sponsored by the Committee on Environment to shed clarification on the issues regarding the management of forest lands.

Resolution No. 236-2023 approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of Suyo emanated from the plan of the LGU to conduct an inventory of the forest lands which will guide them in their Forest Land Use Planning and based on the Land Classification Map of the DENR, 70% of the total land area of the said municipality is classified as timberland while 30% is classified as Alienable and Disposable.

In his message, Atty. Barcelo shared the importance of forestlands particularly in areas like Suyo, stating that “forest management is important to rural areas which are vulnerable to the effects of climate change.”  Atty. Barcelo also added that “the agency is mandated to ensure proper forest management as it is integral in providing solutions to help us address the issues brought on by the increasing population and its effects and strains on our environment.”

Prior to the dialogue, Atty. Arlyn Katherine Buduhan of the Enforcement Division (ED) discussed on the Presidential Decree 705 also known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, while For. Nely Butic of the Licenses Patents and Deeds Division (LPDD) talked about the tenurial instruments in forestlands being issued by the DENR.  The DENR 1 Legal team was also present during the dialogue, headed by Atty. Claro Ramolete Jr and Atty. Santiago Pagaddut Jr, where the latter shared the latest jurisprudence of spouses Maliones vs. Timario Jr. wherein the Supreme Court granted permanent environment protection order to preserve forest in Mountain Province.

During the dialogue, the LGU officials were concerned about tax declarations issued in areas classified as forest lands in mid-1940’s to 1950’s. The DENR officials however, assured support to the LGU to rectify the process and improve the delivery of services to their constituents particularly on land matters.  Atty. Barcelo likewise expressed his commitment to provide the necessary assistance to the LGU.

Land administration and management is one of the agency’s program thrust where the issuance of residential and agricultural free patents are the priority activities.

Forest lands on the other hand, provide numerous social benefits, it is also a good resource for sustainable economic development. (RAS/RSCIG)