Page 20 - Property Rights in the Philippine A Time and Cost Study_July 2017

INSIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Promoting Systematic Adjudication

Systematic Adjudication is more cost-effective than Sporadic Adjudication. By approaching lot
occupants in their neighborhoods, DENR (and its LGU partners, where there are any), will able to accept
and process applications in batches. Though it may take longer to process one batch versus one
application, batch processing means issuance of more Residential Free Patents.

Because neighbors are able to compare what they are being asked to submit, and how much they
pay, there is more transparency in Systematic Adjudication - and therefore lesser opportunities for unofficial
charging of fees or “package deals”. This translates to lower cost for titling.

Systematic Adjudication requires preliminary evaluation of lot disposition data and surveys. This is
a major source of delay in the process, which is the next recommendation - finding ways to access DENR
data faster.

Improving Access to DENR Data

Improving access to DENR data would address significant delays in both Systematic and Sporadic
Adjudication, and in CENRO Processing.

Fortunately, DENR is already working on this. In LAMP, they developed an information system
known as Land Administration and Management System (LAMS). It has two components: Public Land
Application (PLA), which is based in the CENROs; and Inspection, Verification and Approval of Surveys
(IVAS), which is in the Regional Offices. To populate the databases used in these systems, DENR tried to
outsource a Data Conversion and Database Build-up project. Top management recently decided to
implement this effort “by administration” - meaning, it will be done by the field offices.

This nationwide system is being managed by Engr. Warlito Quirimit of the Land Management
Bureau, assisted by programmers who used to work for a software company called Crevelle (LAMP’s
original contractor).

In an orientation to FEF partners, Engr. Quirimit revealed that this year (2017), his team will
purchase and set up five desktop computers in each CENRO. They will also provide the CENROs and
PENROs with funds for connectivity to the Internet. The specific means of connectivity, which could range
from DSL to WiFi dongles, will be determined by each CENRO/PENRO. Regional Offices would be linked
to the LMB main office by leased lines.

Engr. Quirimit’s team has Regional Coordinators who are assigned to look after the implementation
of LAMS in their areas and relay problems to them in place of a Help Desk. These tasks are in addition to
the designated Coordinator’s regular assignment.

The researchers could not find an overall Information Systems Plan for LAMS. Researchers have
also heard complaints and questions from CENRO employees and clients (specifically, Geodetic
Engineers) about the operation of LAMS PLA and IVAS.

One CENRO, for example, revealed that they re-encoded records when a new version of LAMS
PLA was installed. When asked about this, Engr. Quirimit said there is a module to convert databases
across different versions of LAMS PLA. Apparently that information had not been communicated to the
CENRO.

It seems to the researchers that LMB needs to have a more robust, transparent, well-communicated
ICT Management Plan. One that would address common issues in ICT project management, and specific

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