LMB moves to strengthen land laws and policies

The Land Management Bureau (LMB), in its goal to provide efficient and effective land titling and as part of its 123rd Anniversary, presented policy issues on land administration and management to Department of Environment and Natural Resources officials and regional partners.

The Land Management Conference on September 23, 2024 is an avenue to propose solutions to pressing concerns on land management. This was participated by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr., DENR Undersecretary Augusto Dela Peña, LMB Director Emelyne Talabis, and all DENR Regional Executive Directors. DENR Assistant Regional Directors for Technical Services (ARD-TS) joined the activity online.

In his message, Usec. Adobo emphasizes the shift from land administration to land management and governance. He mentioned that the DENR should determine the unrealized revenues of the government from foreshore areas. “It’s clear that effective land management isn’t just about protecting our environment – it’s also about making the best use of our land resources for the benefit of the public.” Adobo said. “Whether it’s managing foreshore areas or optimizing government lands, our goal is to balance environmental protection with economic growth.”

For the rationale, LMB Director Emelyne Talabis emphasized the five main points for the event – the Land Sector’s Program Directions, updates on Land Administration and Management Initiatives and collaboration with other NGAs, updates on LAMS Philippines, solicit recommendations on operational concerns, and sharing of knowledge and best practices. These points show the Bureau’s dedication to promote continuous innovation and improvement of the land sector towards land management and governance.

“It’s high time to sit down and think about the demands of the future on land management,” Talabis said. “Thus, the DENR is working on streamlining its policy development system, and to align its objectives with the field offices for policy-making.”

LMB Land Policy and Planning Chief Maria Gina Pascua presented the priority programs and policies for FY 2025, which follows the DENR’s thrust on improving foreshore management, identification of potential areas for investment, inventory and profiling of idle government lands and patrimonial properties, and implementation of new activities that are more responsive to meet the needs of our stakeholders and adapt to technological advancements.

The DENR is also proposing new policies aimed at improving land management in the Philippines. These include delineating foreshores and conducting a comprehensive inventory of land improvements therein, and implementing Administrative Order No. 21. AO 21 seeks to optimize the use of government lands for national development and establish an inter-agency council to consolidate a master list of all government properties. The order also addresses idle or abandoned government lands. Land Management Division Chief Alex Pascua presented these proposals. Geodetic Surveys Division Chief Bienvenido Cruz also outlined specific policies related to land surveying.

LMB Chiefs Alex Pascua and Engr. Bienvenido Cruz informs the Regional Offices about LMB’s priority policies.

Updates on the implementation of the Land Administration and Management System: Philippines (LAMS PH) was also presented by LAMS National Coordinating Desk Head Ariel Reyes. LAMS PH would support land management through the full implementation of the LAMS Portal, further simplifying land transactions through bringing services to the web.  Policies related to streamlining services, such as the First-in, First-out policy, was also tackled.

The status of real estate concerns by the Department of National Defense (DND) was also presented by Usec. Dela Peña, particularly those through Presidential Proclamations, for conveyance, and for survey and titling. He emphasized the urgent need for the DENR Offices to address these issues promptly and effectively. Moreover, he urged the DENR Regional Officials to prepare for an upcoming meeting with the DND to discuss these matters further.

In conclusion, the DENR moves towards enhancing land management in the Philippines, highlighting the need to transition from traditional land administration to sustainable land management that balances environmental protection with economic development. The proposed initiatives, particularly around foreshore management and the optimization of government lands, aim to unlock unrealized revenues and promote responsible use of resources. As the DENR moves forward with its priority programs for FY 2025, it is clear that it should ensure that land resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of all citizens.