To provide technical assistance/expertise to the Local Government Units (LGUs) subject of land claims and boundary conflicts in the establishment of political boundaries, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regions 10 and 12 forge a partnership for the joint delineation of the boundary conflict between the provinces of Bukidnon and Cotabato on June 7, 2023 in Cagayan de Oro City.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) OIC-Assistant Secretary for Field Operations-Western Mindanao and Director, Forest Management Bureau in concurrent capacity, Arleigh J. Adorable said that the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will put directions on what are the things that should be agreed upon regarding the areas in boundary conflicts. He added that the success and learnings of this MOA will also help other regions on resolving issues on boundary conflicts in their respective areas.

In addition, Regional Executive Director Henry A. Adornado of Region 10 said that the MOA signing will not only benefit the regions in the efficient implementation of DENR programs and projects but also help the LGUs resolve their boundary conflicts. RED Felix S. Alicer of Region 12 explained that the MOA will help in crafting guidelines to properly address the political boundary conflicts.

The Technical Working Group consists of DENR 10 and 12 ARDs for Technical Services; Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices of Bukidnon and Cotabato; Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices of Matalam and Midsayap, Cotabato and Don Carlos, Bukidnon; Chief, Surveys and Mapping Divisions (SMD); Representative from Legal Division and Chief, Control and Surveys Section of SMD.

Both regions will lead in the collaborative conduct of the necessary survey in the establishment of political boundaries of the localities based on the agreement reached, provide technical assistance/expertise if necessary in the conduct of the joint survey and inform the concerned LGUs on the result of the survey.
Moreover, the DENR 10 and 12 shall be responsible in the ensuing processes and issuance of patent and other tenurial instrument in the localities/areas established/identified within their respective jurisdiction through a joint resolution. #TayoAngKalikasan RSCIG No. 06-171-2023