BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR

Congressional candidate Engr. Isabelo “Poppo” Cosalan Jr. emphasized the importance of conducting a cadastral survey and amending Proclamation No. 10 and Proclamation No. 572 during a public forum in Purok 3, Barangay Gibraltar on April 23.

Cosalan, who has been actively visiting various barangays in the city, addressed long-standing land-related concerns, particularly boundary issues.

Drawing from his experience as a geodetic engineer, he discussed how legislative action is needed to clarify land classifications and titles for residents.

He shared that when he served as chairperson of the Committee on Urban Planning, Lands and Housing, he authored Resolution No. 146-09, which called for a cadastral survey of all 128 barangays in Baguio City.

This, he said, aimed to resolve overlapping boundaries and assist in the preparation of the city’s revised charter.

“Why is there no cadastral survey in Baguio and across the Philippines? We requested DENR and managed to clarify political boundaries in 109 barangays. This helps us prepare for the city charter,” Cosalan said during the forum.

With the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the survey allowed residents to secure land titles, building permits, and business permits.

However, Cosalan stressed that amending Proclamation No. 10—which declares Gibraltar as a park forest reservation—and Proclamation No. 572—which declares parts of the barangay as a mineralized area—is crucial to enable proper land disposition.

“The first thing a congressman must do is fix the plans and amend the proclamations,” he said.

Cosalan noted that in his 15 years in public service, the cadastral survey remains one of the most impactful initiatives for Baguio residents.

If elected, he vowed to continue providing services that address core community concerns.