LMB celebrates its 123rd Lands Anniversary

The Land Management Bureau (LMB) celebrates its 123rd Lands Anniversary on September 24,2024 in Luxent Hotel, Quezon City.

The Undersecretary on Legal and Administration and Supervising Undersecretary for Lands, Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr., representing Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, highlighted this year’s theme, “Embracing Digital Innovation for Improved Land Management,” which reflects the need to adopt new technologies to tackle the evolving challenges in land administration. He reiterated that this celebration is not only about honoring history but also about reaffirming a commitment to continuous progress through innovation.

The Undersecretary acknowledged the LMB’s historical significance since its establishment in 1901, noting its pivotal role in land administration, including the issuance of over 5 million patents and the resolution of land disputes through initiatives like the Alternative Dispute Resolution. He outlined the LMB’s achievements, which include contributions to poverty alleviation and equitable access to land resources.

Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr. delivers his keynote speech during the LMB’s 123rd Anniversary.

Undersecretary Adobo also highlighted several key initiatives by the Bureau, including the Delineation of the Foreshore to enhance coastal management and environmental sustainability. Also, by effectively inventorying and profiling idle government-owned lands, the Bureau aims to strike a balance between development and sustainability, fostering growth while protecting our environment. He also emphasized the vital role of the LMB as the Secretariat of the Inter-agency Coordinating Council under Administrative Order No. 21, which promotes the optimal use of government lands to support national development goals with an emphasis on sustainability and economic benefits.

Undersecretary Adobo noted that the 123rd anniversary of the LMB not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for a sustainable future in land management. Embracing digital innovation and integrated governance will be essential as the Bureau faces the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

The 123rd celebration highlighted the soft-launching of the Land Administration and Management System (LAMS) Web Portal, which is designed to streamline land administration processes, facilitating the monitoring of survey approvals and public land applications. By providing online access to key features of the LAMS Philippines, the portal meets the increasing demand for transparency, accountability, and efficiency in land transactions and records management. This initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing user experience and improving service delivery within the land sector.

Soft Launch of the LAMS Portal

The LAMS Web Portal provides convenient access via both desktop computers and mobile devices. It features a comprehensive Dashboard for monitoring Regional Statistics and Performance in IVAS, an E-Library that serves as a digital repository for policies, guidelines, and other essential resources, and a Transaction Inquiry tool that allows clients to track their transactions, whether related to PLA or IVAS. This user-friendly platform ensures that vital information is accessible anytime, anywhere, enhancing the overall user experience.

In her message, LMB Director Emelyne Talabis expressed deep gratitude to all Burlanders in the LMB, Regional Offices, Field Offices, and Central Office, noting its people’s contributions in achieving its milestones. “We could not have come this far, and we could have not accomplished these milestones without our people.”

LMB Director Emelyne Talabis officially opens the event.

“As we celebrate this occasion, let this be an opportunity to renew our commitment and support to the land sector,” she stated. She concluded with warm wishes for a Happy 123rd Anniversary, fostering a spirit of unity and progress, and delivered a final message of resilience: “We will rise above the challenges and face the future with a renewed passion and commitment for the sector.”

The LMB acknowledged and awarded employees who have served for 25 years or more, celebrating their dedication and contributions to the organization. The employees who retired from the Service in the last quarter of 2023 and this year were also presented with a Plaque of Appreciation, honoring years of committed service to the Bureau.

Undersecretary Adobo, LMB Director Talabis, and LMB OIC of Office of the Assistant Director Engr. Bienvenido Cuz presenting the Service and Retirement Awards, joined by the Division Chief of each awardee

The anniversary celebration was attended by Engr. Raymund Arnold Alberto, the National President of the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines. Etrellita Bordallo, President of the GEP-NCR, former DENR Undersecretary Mr. Manuel D. Gerochi, former Regional Technical Director for Lands Region 4A, Ms. Lydia Lopez, and former Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, DENR-NCR, Engr. Ignacio Almira Jr.

LMB Fun and Festivities

A Dance Evolution Competition was also a highlight of the celebration, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of the participants. The Land Policy and Planning Division took home first place, demonstrating impressive choreography and teamwork. RKMD secured a well-deserved second place, while the combined efforts of the GSD and Legal teams earned them third place.

Winners of the Dance Evolution Competition.

In addition to the dance competition, the LMB Feud added an element of fun and friendly rivalry to the festivities.

LMB Feud