By Perla Lena | Philippine News Agency
A government convergent program geared towards developing climate-resilient and self-reliant communities was formally launched in Iloilo City on Friday, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
DENR Sec. Juan Miguel Cuna, in his keynote address, said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the provision of climate-resilient housing and livelihood programs that sustain communities.
The initiative dubbed “Handog ng Pangulo: Luntiang Bukas” anchors on four vital pillars: Handog Titulo, which formalizes the long-standing bond between families and the land they have nurtured; climate-ready homes; space for all linear development; and nature and livelihood.
“Today, we proudly award 820 land patents in Western Visayas and more than 9,000 across the nation. This title is your anchor, it gives you legal certainty to plan, to invest, and to pass on a legacy,” he said.
The titles consisted of 647 agricultural, 142 residential, and 31 special patents awarded to farmers, residents, and institutions across Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo.
Nature and livelihood support were also reinforced through the DENR’s environmental programs.
The DENR said the distribution of 5,000 seedlings under the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP), including fruit-bearing and timber species such as cacao, guava, langka, and narra, positions communities not only as stewards of forest restoration but as participants in longer-term, nature-based sources of income.
In the same event, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Sec. Jose Ramon Aliling and Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas rolled out the Batiano Village with the ceremonial awarding of Certificate of Entitlement of Lot Allocations (CELAs) to 25 beneficiaries.
Aliling also joined Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. in awarding the CELAs to five beneficiaries for the Purok Resilience Village.
The DHSUD also turned over two housing projects under its Green and Climate-Resilient Housing Program.
“These pilot homes show how cool roofs, rainwater harvesting, and solar-ready design become ready protection for families,” Sec. Cuna said.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City government highlighted its Linear Park Developments, which Cuna said breathe life into neighborhoods.
“We thank Iloilo City for showing the nation how linear parks and green spaces can transform urban life. These places do more than unify; they cool our streets, clean our rivers, and give our children safe places to run and play,” he added.
Cuna said Luntiang Bukas is an invitation to work together, for the national government to continue with science-based planning, for local governments to lead in the effective implementation, and for Filipinos to protect the future.
