Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Howse Bao, _47°4

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE CIRIACO B. GATO, JR., M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Bill secks to reclassify Barangay Itbud, Municipality of Uyugan, Province of
Batanes from Timberland into Alienable and Disposable Land.

In 1910, a large number of people migrated and settled at the now Barangay Itbud after
the Spanish rule in 1789 and before the American Era. In 1920, the First Chapel, school building
and residential stone and lime houses were constructed, and that Grade 1 and II classes were
opened in 1927-1928.

Barangay Itbud with an approximate area of six (6) hectares is a detached barangay of the
Municipality of Uyugan, situated along the National Road, 23km, and south of the capital town
Basco. The non-conversion of Barangay Itbud from Timberland to Alienable & Disposable
Residential Area deprives the long-time residents of various opportunities and entitlements as
genuine owners.

Further, this bill was filed during the 17th Congress by Deputy Speaker Rosemarie
“Baby” J. Arenas, then care taker of the Lone District of Batanes. However, due to lack of
material time, it did not become a law.

In view of all foregoing, immediate approval of this Bill is strongly sought.

Crane Gos

CIRIACO B. GATO, JR., M. We


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._4784

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE CIRIACO B. GATO, JR.,M.D.

AN ACT
TO CONVERT BARANGAY ITBUD, MUNICIPALITY OF UYUGAN, PROVINCE OF
BATANES, FROM ITS PRESENT CLASSIFICATION AS TIMBERLAND TO AN
ALIENABLE AND DISPOSABLE RESIDENTIAL AREA/SITE, AND OTHER
APPURTENANCE THERETO

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. The land comprising the Barangay Itbud, with approximate area of six (6)
hectares, situated along the National Road, 23 kilometer, South of the capital town Basco,
designated by the Bureau of Lands Survey as Timberland based on cadastral Survey conducted
on August 22, 1985 to March 21, 1986 and approved on November 11, 1986, is hereby converted
and declared as Alienable and Disposable area.

SECTION 2. The aforementioned land shall be distributed in ownership to 141
household bona fide and long-term residents thereon.

SECTION 3. The scheme of distribution of the land, including the identities of the bona
fide and long-term farmers/occupants thereon, shall be prepared by a Committee which shall be
composed of the following: the representative of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources as Chairman; the representative of the Department of Agrarian Reform as Vice-
Chairman; and the Mayor Uyugan, the Head of the homeowners organization. The scheme of
distribution shall include the technical description of each lot pertaining to each of the occupants.
Provided, that said scheme of distribution shall be as equitable as possible without gross
disparities among the awardees.

Conflicts shall be decided by the Committee after due hearing, appealable to the
Department Secretary under whose jurisdiction the issue involved falls. The Secretary’s decision
or order on appeal may be subject of a petition for review by the Office of the President within
fifteen (15) days from promulgation of notice of the decision or order appealed from; Provided,
‘That said petition for review shall be decided within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof,
otherwise, the decision or order from shall be deemed ratified and final.

SECTION 4. Once the scheme of distribution is approved by the Committee, the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall undertake the actual distribution of the
residential land pursuant to the provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 141, otherwise known as
the Public Land Act, or the Residential Free Patent law (R.A. 10023), whichever is applicable.

SECTION 5. All other laws, executive and administrative orders, rules and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Approved.