PIA Press Release
Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Gapo gov’t offers free land titling to residents

OLONGAPO CITY, Jan 4 (PIA) –- The spirit of gift giving during the holiday season continues in the city as Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. invites land owners to take advantage of the Mass Land Titling Program of the city government.

The program, according to the mayor, is in accordance with Republic Act 10023 or the Free Patent Act which was sponsored by then Senator Richard Gordon.

“A Filipino citizen who is an actual occupant of a residential land may apply for a Free Patent Title provided that the land should not exceed two hundred (200) square meters and that the land applied for is not needed for public service and/or public use,” Mayor Gordon explained.

“Libre ang magpatitulo basta’t ang inyong lupain ay residential at hindi lalagpas sa 200 square meters. Kapag ang inyo namang lupain ay mas malaki sa 200 square meters, kaunti pa rin ang inyong babayaran sapagkat ito ay umaabot lamang ng P36.00 per square meter (Land titling is free as long as it is a residential lot not exceeding 200 square meters. If it’s bigger than 200, you will only need to pay around P36.00 per square meter in excess),” said Jimmy Mendoza, head of the City Systematic Adjudication Project.

Mendoza is encouraging the city’s residents to avail of the program not only because it is free but that the government is guaranteeing a fast and effective processing of titles. Mendoza estimates the processing time at 90 days maximum.

According to Mendoza, only 9.5 percent of lot owners have land titles and the city government is committed to attract residents to establish ownership of their real property through the Mass Land Titling Project.

“We are making the process easier and waiving the costs. The government has done all it can for our constituents. It is their responsibility now to take action,” said Gordon.

Some 34 recipients benefited from the land titling program last month as the mayor held an awarding of titles last December 19, 2011 at the City Hall.

To avail of the Mass Land Titling Program, residents are encouraged to visit the City Systematic Adjudication Project Office at the ground floor of Olongapo City Hall Complex.(AMV/PIA Zambales)