OFFICIALS of Magalang, a first-class agricultural town, are contemplating on reclaiming the town's 50-hectare property situated at the foot of Mount Arayat which was occupied by residents, farm owners, and businessmen.
This was learned from the town's mayor, Malou Lacson, who met with officers and members of the Capampangan In Media Incorporated (CAMI) in Clark Freeport last Friday, October 19.
Lacson said the property located in Barangay Ayala is owned by the local government unit.
The property was used by the Mount Pinatubo Commission (MPC) as a tent city to temporarily resettle lahar victims but it was later turned over to the local government, according to the mayor.
The land title was registered under the local government's name, Lacson said. "It's owned by the LGU but it was squatted during the previous administrations, she added.
The property is an ideal site for tourism hub, Lacson said.
"Eco-tourism is the town's emerging industry," she said.
Some 28 structures including resorts, restaurants, and residential units, were built on the property, the mayor said.
"When we assumed office three years ago, we ordered for the stoppage of construction inside the property and we conducted an inventory of the structures," Lacson said.
Some unscrupulous individuals illegally sold some parts of the property but Lacson stressed that documents will show that the municipal government owns the land.