Now the 29,000 hectares of land where the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) is located have been titled, signaling the formal start of managing the area under the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

This comes after BuCor and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) formalized the land titling of the IPPF in Puerto Princesa with the signing of a memorandum of agreement at the BuCor Headquarters in Muntinlupa City last Monday afternoon.

The agreement was executed by Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. from BuCor and DENR MIMAROPA's Officer-in-Charge Regional Executive Director Felix S. Mirasol Jr. The ceremony included notable witnesses such as Atty. Al Perreras, Deputy Director for Administration of BuCor, C/SUPT Melencio Faustino, Chief of the BuCor Legal Office Atty. Jocelyn Yu, and Vicente Tuddao Jr., Chief of the DENR-MIMAROPA Technical Services Division.

During the signing, Catapang emphasized the importance of formalizing land ownership, stating, “The BuCor maintains and administers several public lands across the country through various methods, including presidential proclamations, executive orders, donations, and more.” He specifically highlighted the IPPF, which encompasses over 29,000 hectares of land, underscoring its significance for both the Bureau and the broader community.

The MOA for the IPPF marks a pivotal step in establishing clear boundaries and the legal status of the properties under BuCor’s jurisdiction. It aims to facilitate their reservations pursuant to Republic Act 10575, also known as the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013.

Catapang clarified that this act mandates all BuCor-managed lands be certified with a title registered under the Bureau’s name. “If you have a land title, it serves as the legal basis for ownership, providing a solid foundation for any transactions or actions related to the land,” he stated.

The DENR plays a critical role in this process, possessing the authority and capability to conduct surveys and approve land measurements in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.

This collaboration between BuCor and DENR is poised to enhance governance, secure public lands, and improve the overall management of the expansive territories administered by the Bureau.

The signing of this agreement not only symbolizes a commitment to effective land management but also reflects a shared vision of ensuring that these valuable resources are recognized, protected, and utilized in a manner that benefits the community and upholds environmental integrity, Catapang said.