Dec. 31 deadline for application of agricultural free patent stressed
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reminded Filipino farmers who want to avail themselves of the government’s agricultural free patent program that they have only until the end of the month to file their application.
The DENR-Land Management Bureau said Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) nationwide will no longer accept applications beyond the Dec. 31 deadline set under the Republic Act 9176, otherwise known as the Public Land Act of 2002.
The law extended the filing of applications for free patent and judicial confirmation of imperfect and incomplete titles to alienable and disposable lands of public domain, thus, amending Commonwealth Act 141 or the original Public Land Act.
Agricultural free patents are land grants awarded to natural-born Filipino citizens in actual occupation and cultivation for at least 30 years of alienable and disposable lands not more than 12 hectares, and have paid the corresponding real property taxes.
“Our field offices continue to accept agricultural free patent applications to give those who have been cultivating their lots for a long time the chance to have the same titled in their names,” LMB Director Emelyne Talabis said.