08/03/2008 [ tribune.net.ph ]
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza the other day encountered and acted upon several problems on land disputes which have caused several years of aggravation to claimants during the launch of the Regional People’s Hour at the Pangasinan State University in Lingayen, Pangasinan marking his first year as DENR chief.
A number of individual and groups of farmers took turns in presenting their problems to Atienza who acted on them immediately. Majority of concerns raised were land-related, such as land titling, land survey and overlapping claims to public lands.
During the event, Atienza also awarded more than 200 land patents covering some 77 hectares to farmers from 20 municipalities of the province under the “Handog Titulo” Program of the DENR. The awarding of land patents is part of President Arroyo’s poverty alleviation efforts.
In tackling the issues, Atienza expressed dismay over the handling of matters raised by the public.
“One land problem brought to my attention involved a boundary dispute which remained unresolved for 30 years. The case dragged for so long because of the indifference of some DENR officials. We will find solutions on this problem and one of them is the Regional People’s Hour,” Atienza said.
The DENR chief added a reshuffle in Region 1 would be insufficient. “We will investigate further the complaints raised against DENR personnel. Administrative or even criminal charges will be filed against erring personnel.”
But Atienza expressed confidence that improved public service among DENR personnel and stricter enforcement of environmental laws will be seen in the coming days following the designation yesterday of Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. as Special Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Senro).
As Senro, Espino is authorized to manage, conserve, protect and oversee all foreshore lands within the territorial jurisdiction of his province. He is also authorized to apprehend and seize the tools, equipment, structures and conveyance used in the commission of offenses of environmental laws.
“There will now be closer and better working relationship among the DENR and provincial officials in delivering services to the people and in enforcing environmental laws,” Atienza said. “This is because the powers of the governor as Senro also include the authority to call upon the support and services of officials and personnel of DENR,” Atienza added.
Atienza said several distribution of land patents and the holding of People’s Hour will be intensified in the coming months in various parts of the country.
“The Regional People’s Hour in Region 1 held in Pangasinan is just the beginning. We will bring the People’s Hour in all the regions of country because we find it very effective in providing immediate solutions to the problems of our poor people. We will bring the government closer to our countrymen,” Atienza said.
Atienza directed DENR Region 1 OIC executive director Constancio Arciaga to also hold a regular People’s Day at the regional office every Thursday.
___________________________________________________________________
