LMB CELEBRATES 117 YEARS OF SERVICE
Despite the major setback caused by the fire incident last May 2018, employees rekindle the spirit of unity and share success stories and memories over glasses of wine during the 117th Lands Day Anniversary on September 4, 2018 in Quezon City.
The heart of this event is the solemn pledge made by LMB officials and employees entitled “Pangako sa Muling Pagbangon.” With only the lights from their mobile phones, employees and guests promised to do their best to rise again amidst adversity and serve its mandates for the good of the public and this country.
As Acting Director Atty. Talabis said in her speech, unity and harmony among officials and employees of the LMB is essential for the Bureau to rise again amidst the adversity the agency faced last May 2018.
Another highlight of the celebration is the launch of the institutional video of the Bureau which features the services and achievements of the agency for the past century. Touching stories were also shared by some Filipinos who were granted land titles by the Bureau. As stated by Engr. Bienvenido F. Cruz in his Opening Speech, equipment and records may have been burned but not the memories and services of the agency.
Moreover, part of the celebration was the recognition and awarding of employees and agencies who helped the Bureau in re-establishing the said office during the aftermath of the fire. Mr. Florencio Cornel, a chauffeur in the Bureau for 16 years, who braved the flames to save the vehicles of the agency. His act of heroism showed his dedication to go beyond his duties; and with this, he was honored a plaque of appreciation and monetary reward.
Other agencies such as the DENR – Central Office, Environment Management Bureau (EMB), Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) were also awarded plaques of appreciation for extending a helping hand to the Bureau after the incident that happened.
Additionally, Atty. Talabis accentuated the milestones of the Bureau for years 2017 and 2018 such as the development of the Land Administration and Management System (LAMS) Philippines, several policy issuances, and the mainstreaming of the Voluntary Guidelines on Governance of Tenure (VGGT) in the Philippines.
On behalf of Secretary Roy Cimatu, Undersecretary Rodolfo C. Garcia talked about the journey of LMB towards major overhauling and modernization of LAMS, by digitalizing land records and streamlining processes and procedures in land titling. He also encouraged LMB to continuously lead initiatives on completion of the digitalization of land records, acceleration of land titling nationwide, and adoption of the updated 30-year road map for the country’ s land sector.
Moreover, several important guests have delivered their greetings for the Bureau’s anniversary such as Undersecretary Ernesto D. Adobo; former DENR Assistant Secretary Atty. Roberto V. Oliva; President Calixto V. Chikiamco of the Foundation for Economic Freedom; and President Eduardo Sarmiento of the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines.
The event ended with a bittersweet memory that will linger on the minds of all LMB officials and employees, yet a flaming courage to start over again and continue the legacy that was built over its 117 years of existence.