Prov’l board eyes ordinance to institutionalize ‘Titulo’ program

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—To ensure the continuity of the Ilocos Norte government’s “Task Force Titulo” (TFT) program, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is seeking an ordinance to institutionalize the program’s long-term implementation.

Over the last four years, TFT, formerly known as “Titulo a Natalged” [Secure Land Title) program has helped hundreds of Ilocanos obtain their land titles on alienable and disposable lands they have been occupying for a long time.

Created through Executive Order 50-11 issued by Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, lawyer Erme Labayog, head of the Provincial Assessor Office and at the same time, the current Provincial Legal Officer of Ilocos Norte said that to help more Ilocanos secure their and properties, there is a need to ensure the continuity of service.

“The EO (Executive Order) expires once there is a change of administration. With an ordinance, this ensures continuity of the program even if there’s change of leadership,” Mr. Labayog explained.

As a pioneering province to implement the Revenue Generation and Land Administration Reforms (REGALA) project launched in January 2012, Mr. Labayog said TFT will “amplify the Department of Environment and Natural Resources effort in its separate land program as they are also tasked to train more personnel to help assist, evaluate and conduct information and education drive pertaining to land titling activity.

The REGALA project is funded by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction through the Asian Development Bank. It aims to computerize all land information and real property tax assessment in the province.

Under the administration of Ms. Marcos, Ilocos Norte has been persistent in having all provincial properties titled to boost investors’ confidence here.