Laoag: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) continues to advance land tenure security for qualified beneficiaries by distributing 1,003 land patents in the Ilocos Region, giving recipients stronger legal recognition of their ownership and use of the land they have long relied on.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a ceremonial awarding held at SM City Laoag, 56-year-old Myla Catherine Irorita-Osdon, a new residential land patent holder in Barangay Bonifacio Poblacion, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, expressed her joy at being able to finally call herself a landowner. Osdon, along with her mother and younger sister, were among the first excited beneficiaries from the region to arrive at the mall, registering on the guest list for land patent distribution from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

For families who have occupied and cultivated parcels of land for years, receiving a land patent can be a significant milestone. Nelia Irorita, also a patent holder, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of such recognition for long-term occupants.

A notable recipient, 97-year-old Teofilo Be±as from Poblacion 2, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, expressed his contentment upon receiving a new land patent with both his and his late wife Andrea's names on it. The land title, covering 968 square meters in Susugaen, Pasuquin town, brought him comfort and peace.

During the ceremonial distribution, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized that a land title represents "security, dignity, and peace of mind." He congratulated the new patent holders, encouraging them to invest in productive improvements, maintain their properties, and engage more confidently in local economic activities.