July 28, 2013
7:27 pm [ manilatimes.net ]
by MAYVELIN
U. CARABALLO
The
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P929 million for the
continued implementation of cadastral surveys nationwide.
In a
statement over the weekend, the DBM explained that cadastral surveys determine
the administrative boundary of cities and municipalities, including lots in
alienable and disposable lands of public domain.
It added that
the survey is necessary in identifying political boundaries of local governments,
and properties of private land owners.
The survey
results are also the basis for land use planning, taxation and for determining
the internal revenue allotment (IRA) of local governments.
The agency
noted that the P929-million release was funded against the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) appropriation for land surveys under
the continuing appropriations of the calendar year 2012 General Appropriations
Act.
It said that
the amount was previously unreleased because of failure of biddings and peace
and order situations in some 34 municipalities experienced in last year’s
implementation, among other factors.
Of the total
amount released to DENR’s Land Management Bureau and various regional offices,
P553 million has been appropriated for cadastral surveys and necessary survey
equipment to Regions 2, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 8, 11 and Metro Manila, while the
remaining P376 million was released for the Autonomous Region for Muslim
Mindanao.
Furthermore,
the DBM said that the release is in view of the Aquino administration’s goal of
expanding economic productivity and growth in rural areas nationwide.
“In line with
President [Benigno] Aquino [3rd]’s campaign for inclusive and comprehensive
economic development, we’re giving the necessary budgetary support for
cadastral surveys, which will help accelerate countryside development and boost
the productivity of some of our more remote communities,” Budget and Management
Secretary Florencio Abad said.
He added that
by determining the proper boundaries that demarcate cities and municipalities
from each other, the government can ensure the focused and strategic delivery
of goods and services, depending on the unique development needs of each area.
“The
completion of the land surveys will be the jump-off point for planning and
designing various development programs in all regions across the country, thus
facilitating the more efficient movement of government services toward our
constituents. Additionally, the cadastral surveys will play a particularly
important role at this point in the administration, when we’re boosting our
agri-industry and infrastructure activities to create the right environment for
inclusive growth,” he added.
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