A solon representing the indigenous peoples sector has lauded the move of President Rodrigo Duterte to award land titles to the Ati community of Boracay island.
The President on Thursday distributed 623 certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) to the tribe—who are the area’s original inhabitants—as well as other agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Six of the CLOAs were awarded to 45 members of the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization.
“As important as the granting of titles is the provision of support services.”
The awarded CLOAs cover 274 hectares of land in Boracay and Aklan.
“Once again our President has proven that he is a man of his word. Sa wakas, makakamit na ng mga kababayan nating Ati ang matagal na nilang hinaing,” said ANAC-IP Rep. Jose Panganiban, Jr.
Panganiban, who chairs the House committee on agriculture, expressed hope that support for the Ati community and other agrarian reform beneficiaries would not stop with the awarding of land titles.
“They should also be given easy access to technology and finance, among others.”
He said that as important as the granting of titles is the provision of support services so that the beneficiaries can make the land productive.
“Dapat mabigyan din sila ng training at mas madaling access sa technology at finance, among others,” (They should also be given easy access to technology and finance, among others) the solon said.
“Unless we provide support services, the risk of the land being under-utilized by its intended beneficiaries will persist.”
