THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) has started to survey lands in preparation for free distribution of land titles in conflict-affected towns in Maguindanao, a first step towards settling land disputes in the province. “Land dispute hinders development. This project will provide bigger opportunities for our people,” said Mayor Datu Zamzamin Ampatuan of Rajah Buayan in a statement released by the ARMM government. “This is the people’s hope for a fully secured land ownership,” he added. The P42-million “free land titling and survey” project of the DENR-ARMM was formally launched on January 5 in Rajah Buayan, one of the 15 municipalities that will benefit from the project. DENR-ARMM Secretary Kahal Kedtag said the massive distribution of land titles will also help in combating poverty and stimulating progress and development in the province. The project is under the region’s Humanitarian Development and Assistance Program (HDAP), which is aimed at demarcating properties of landowners in the region. The project also covers livelihood programs that will promote peace and help calamity-affected communities. — Mindanao Bureau

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