Manila, Sept. 10 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has awarded 1,015 land patents to qualified beneficiaries in the Ilocos Region, and urged the new land title holders to use and manage their properties responsibly.

In his speech during the distribution held Thursday in Laoag City, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the patents, covering agricultural, residential, and special categories, were awarded to beneficiaries from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan under the department's Luntiang Bukas program.

He said the titles recognize years of work and patience by families who have cultivated land, built homes, and raised their families while waiting for formal ownership.

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