“My stay in Land Management Bureau is something I can be proud of.” – Former LMB Director Atty. Ramon N. Casanova

Stories and memories were shared once again as generations of Burlanders gathered in Quezon City last September 20, 2019 to celebrate the 118th year of Land Management Bureau (LMB) in public service with the theme “LMB @ 118th: Conquering Challenges.”.

In his opening message, LMB Assistant Director, Engr. Romeo P. Verzosa, explained the theme of this year’s Lands Day. “We managed to rose from the ashes and continuously connect people with technology,” he said. Despite the major setback it faced last 2018, the Bureau managed to stand up again and resume its service to the public.

“Drawbacks should be considered as opportunities to improve,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary and Chief of Staff, Former Gen. Rodolfo C. Garcia, reiterated during his anniversary greeting.

USEC Garcia also emphasized that manpower is the most important resource the Bureau has. “To strengthen manpower skills and capabilities in land management with integrity means improve processes and improved public service,” he said.

With this, it can be said that the heart of this year’s Lands Day celebration celebration lies on the awarding and recognition of LMB employees who have shared their invaluable knowledge, skills and time in serving not only the Bureau but the whole of the Filipino community.

Some of the awards given were Loyalty Awards for employees who rendered service to the LMB for more than 30 years, Plaque of Recognition for LMB retirees, and DENR Sportsfest winners. The Bureau also acknowledged the Best Performers in the field of Lands and other Land Experts who aided the Bureau in its Rapid Land Tenure Appraisal (RLTA) Program.

Another essential part of the celebration was the presentation of the Bureau’s major achievements for the past year which includes the Handog Titulo Program, Rapid Land Tenure Appraisal, Land Administration System (LAMS) Philippines, numerous land policies, and partnerships with Local Government Units (LGUs) and other government agencies for a more comprehensive and easier land titling. Part of LMB’s achievement as well are the Bangon Marawi and Manila Bay Rehabilitation projects in partnership with DENR and other government agencies.

But as they say, every achievement is a servitude. This is what former DENR Undersecretary for Policy and Planning & Foreign Assisted Programs, Mr. Manuel D. Gerochi, imposed during his celebratory speech. “Think of the future and reengineer yourself,” USEC Gerochi said. This coincides with the message of DENR OIC, Assistant Secretary for Staff Bureaus, Mr. Ricardo L. Calderon, wherein he emphasized the evolving technology and how LMB should catch up on these innovations and live up to the expectations as public servants.

Moreover, as part of its innovation efforts, the Land Management Bureau officially launched its Facebook Page during the Lands Day celebration. This is to bring the agency and its services closer to the public clientele. Through this move, the public can be more informed and updated of the services of the Bureau.

Other Officials who shared celebratory greetings during this special event are Hon. Edna Padilla-Sanchez, City Mayor of Sto. Tomas, Batangas; Regional Executive Director (RED) of DENR-CAR Engr. Ralph C. Pablo, and Former LMB Directors Engr. Abelardo G. Palad, Jr.