The age-long issue of boundary dispute between the municipalities of Baao and Bula remains unsettled. But on August of this year a dialogue to settle the issue was conducted. The dialogue was organized through the effort of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with the assistance of the National Mapping and Resource Information Agency (NAMRIA). It was attended by representatives from the two said municipalities.
Both municipalities are requested to present their positions referencing the cadastral maps as basis of their claims. It turned out that there are three existing versions of cadastral maps with different boundaries. The three cadastral maps fabricated in different years. Cadastral maps in possession of both the municipality of Bula and the NAMRIA were framed during the 1940's (of different years) while the map in possession of Baao representatives was dated 1912 making it the oldest reference map and therefore, a more solid reference for settling the dispute.
In the end, both municipalities agreed to settle the issue soon and to present agreed settlement before the DENR.
Why is the issue of municipal boundary important?
As I understand it, two main concerns are at stake:
1. The issue on Taxation- the main concern of determining boundaries through cadastral map is the power of taxation within the municipal jurisdiction. Taxes are the lifeblood of the LGU in providing social services.
2. The Issue of Resource Utilization - resources within the scope of municipal jurisdiction shall be for exclusive utilization of the municipality.
Also read: National Cadastral Survey Program
The renewed initiative to settle the boundary dispute between the two above-mentioned municipalities is a welcome news. It should be settled immediately now that President Duterte has announced during his last SONA that the Land Use is one of his priority agenda.
What the "millenials" can do:
1. Discuss the issue of disputes to your peers.
2. Post in the social media your call for "immediate settlement of the boundary disputes".
3. Call on your local executives and officials the need to step up on the issue.
4. Declare your support for the passage of the "Land Use Act".
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