LAMP 3: To further boost Bohol’s economy

“LAMP1 and LAMP2 are not just programs; they are life to the people,” Gov. Edgar Chatto stressed.

“And, with Bohol’s overarching development framework being similar to LAMP’s aim of poverty reduction, there is no doubt that LAMP3, which, no doubt, would come into being shortly, would be zealously and passionately received by the people,” he said.

A three-man team from the Information Education Communication (IEC) of the Land Administration and Management II Project (LAMP2) from Manila came all the way to Bohol to have an up-close and personal interview with Gov. Edgar M. Chatto of Bohol Thursday.

Chatto faced the questions head on and, without batting an eyelash, told the IEC of the initiatives done by the Chatto-Lim Administration like the very careful attention it has given to priority programs and projects that have been started to make sure updating are thoroughly discussed to understand present situations and the next steps to be taken and the challenges to face to make sure that targets for the project are hit.

LAMP2 addresses the Philippine Government’s medium-term goals of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act with social equity; and good governance, which serves the overarching national goal of the P-Noy Administration of poverty reduction and growth.

The development objectives of the project are to increase land tenure security and improve land administration services through the implementation of institutional and legal reform, the realization of an accelerated land titling program, and the establishment of a fair and uniform property valuation system. This is done through the development of national policies, a regulatory framework and reform of the institutional structure for land administration and management; issuance of titles in urban and rural areas; and the standardization of the land valuation system through the establishment of an efficient and fair property valuation system that meets international standards.

Chatto informed the IEC that the provincial government makes sure that streamlining of the LAMP2 project in Bohol is institutionalized making the distribution of land titles go about smoothly.

The “people’s governor” said that Bohol has reaped quite a number of benefits from LAMP2’s implementation that its impact is deeply-rooted in the hearts of the people and that it has helped a lot in the capacity building of the less-privileged and in revenue generation in terms of property taxes.

Now that Bohol has an increasing number of LGU-led LAMP projects in adapting the technologies in the LAMP framework, other provinces have been inspired in emulating Bohol’s example and this could be quite helpful in the economic growth of the country in a much-wider scale hence improving financial security among the underprivileged especially in rural communities where security of tenure is very important.

The governor said that since Bohol is now apparently an investment destination and that LAMP1 and LAMP2’S impact are now distinctly felt and quite immeasurable, it is quite important for the provincial government to make use of proper land management by setting an example for the people to use their land wisely and efficiently with the maximum of benefits.

The success of projects LAMP1 and LAMP2 could, very possibly, now give rise to LAMP3, Chatto said, for undeniably, “both projects have not been wasted but instead, left an indelible imprint in the minds and hearts of the people. ”

With the inevitability of LAMP3, Gov. Chatto said that a bridging period would be very important for the continuity of the programs and that LGU officials should be made abreast of the growing and upcoming challenges “for the task has just begun.”

“Because of LAMP, visible reforms have been institutionalized and have provided LGUs easier access to revenue generation through fees and taxes making them recognize and acknowledge that in land valuation aspect, international standards are emphasized and adhered to as part of its strategic directions.

With LAMP 1 and 2, Bohol has been able to deliver beyond its targets through reform measures introduced in the program and Gov. Chatto is thanking all the men and women who brought LAMP to Bohol and assures them that “their efforts would never be wasted.”