As one of the participating agencies in the recently concluded Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) on December 9-10, 2023 at Guimbal National High School, Guimbal, Iloilo, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 headed by Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran delivered key services of the agency, mainly the Handog Titulo Program and seedlings distribution.

Despite the heat and huge crowds at the venue, pre-identified beneficiaries of the Handog Titulo Program eagerly awaited and received their agricultural and special patents. One hundred three (103) land titles were given to qualified applicants, of which 81 beneficiaries were issued agricultural patents and 22 received their special patents.

“Adhering to our pledge of quality service and being accessible to the public, initiatives like this bring us closer to our goal. Handog Titulo gives us the opportunity to assist individuals, families, or organizations have a piece of land they can call their own. It’s quite meaningful, and we are honored to be a significant part of that process,” said RED Duran.

On the other hand, DENR 6 through its Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Iloilo and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Guimbal, have distributed a variety of seedlings which include Cacao (Theobroma cacao), Coffee (Coffea), Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Atsuete (Bixa orellana), and Philippine Ash (Fraxinus griffithii), locally known as Tapuyay. Hundreds of chosen seedlings were given to 59 people who availed of the program.

“One of the priorities of DENR is climate action and by planting more trees, we can help build a more robust environment for all. Small efforts when concerted can generate a meaningful impact on our fight against climate change,” said RED Duran.

Overall, a total of 129 clients availed of the DENR 6 services offered during the two-day Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Guimbal, Iloilo. Many of the DENR clients sought legal advice and consultation regarding land titles, application of permits, and information on geohazard locations in the different areas of Iloilo.