ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 24, 2021) – The Land Management Services (LMS) of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) – BARMM held an orientation on basic land management course on February 23-24, 2021 as part of the programs, activities, and projects of the office to improve its operations and mold its employees towards effective and efficient land administration in the region.


As of writing, the MENRE has appointed 221 officials and employees ever since the BARMM has started its transition. Among the newly hired, the Ministry has begun filling the essential plantilla positions in the LMS, including its Director, Division Chiefs, and Land Management Officers.


“The issue on land management is one of the bigger concerns that our ongoing peace process aims to tackle. Reechoing what the MENRE Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua mentioned, the Ministry is grateful to have chosen officials that would best help deliver excellent service and address our land management concerns,” MENRE Assistant Regional Secretary Alindatu K. Pagayao said.


“Let us perform our duties well for the Ministry and for the entire Bangsamoro,” he added.


The LMS is looking forward as well to implementing its Document Tracking System (DTS) and improving its land records management. This will not only add to the efficiency of operations within the sectoral office, but will also make public land applications and other matters more convenient.


“With this activity and everyone’s collaboration, we’ll have the opportunity to improve the land governance system in our region,” LMS Director Eshan Karl O. Mabang said.


“In Shaa Allah, in 2022, we can propose the implementation of our Land Administration and Management System that would make our services for the Bangsamoro efficient,” he stressed.

Resource speakers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region IX graced the activity with their knowledge. Chief of Land Patent Division Erwin Ortezuela, Engr. Ramon E. Azcaraga, Jr., and Engr. Miguela P. Villarubia discussed matters on land disposition, land surveys, and features of Land Administration and Management System (LAMS), respectively.


Baginda-Ali P. Ambor, Retired Land Management Inspector from the defunct DENR-ARMM, also lectured on Land Management Disposition and Investigation.


Jessie S. Ondoy, Chief of MENRE Planning Division, gave another overview and orientation on the mandates of the environmental agency, its mission and vision, and the performance indicators that the participants need to accomplish within the year.


The 2-day land management orientation in Garden Orchid Hotel was conducted initially for the MENRE employees in the BaSulTa island provinces.


The same activity will follow for the key land management personnel in the Provincial ENRE Offices of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur as part of the LMS overall capacity development.