Mt. Data residents ask for lot segregation Rubyloida Bitog

RESIDENTS of the historical Mt. Data in between Benguet and Mt. Province want President Benigno Aquino III to segregate their lands from the earlier presidential proclamation decree.

The proclamation declares the mountain as a national park and a water reserve area. It classified the mountain to be a non–residential area because of its various natural resources.

At present, various residents live in the surroundings of the mountain.

They expressed their desire of lot segregation to the Provincial Legal Officer Danio Bolislis.

Bolislis stated the president of the farmers’ federation of Mt. Data requested a passage of a resolution for the segregation. This will be addressed to PNoy for his immediate action.

The legal officer revealed some of the farmers reside in the area prior to the proclamation of Mt. Data. Most of these farmers are from Benguet and Mt. Province.

Bolislis added these early residents have prior vested rights which the proclamation recognizes.

However, Bolislis said this right should not be abused and it should be exercised properly.

“The problem with their request is that not all farmers reside in the area prior to the proclamation. There are various new occupants along the mountain,” he said.

The farmers’ federation will soon attend the Benguet board meeting to express their concerns.