Lawmaker wants reclassification of Benguet lands

BAGUIO CITY — Benguet lawmaker Eric Go Yap is pushing to reclassify large tracts of land in Benguet, saying outdated forest land tags no longer reflect how these areas are actually used.

Mr. Yap filed a House bill proposing to convert parts of the province’s forest lands into alienable and disposable areas, allowing residents — especially Indigenous communities — to secure land titles.

Much of Benguet remains legally classified as forest land, even as these areas have long been used for farming, housing, businesses and public facilities, creating hurdles for residents seeking ownership and government support, he said.

The lack of legal status has also limited access to credit and basic services, while complicating land-use planning for local governments, Mr. Yap said.

“We are seeking to align land classification with actual use, update local land plans and uphold rights under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, giving Indigenous communities legal footing over lands they have long occupied,” Mr. Yap explained. — Artemio A. Dumlao