The City Local Government of Tabuk in Kalinga Province finds itself embroiled in a legal battle over the cancellation of government-issued tax declarations covering 160 hectares of land in Talacca, Agbannawag.
During a press conference with the mayor, he reiterated that the land awarded in this area through tax declaration is one of the city’s reservations and should not be owned by private entities or individuals. The City Legal team, along with the City Environment Resources Office (CENRO), is currently spearheading the process of canceling all issued tax declarations, specifically targeting the portion of land in Talacca measuring about 160 hectares, of which 76 hectares were illegally awarded to an undisclosed personality. The mayor emphasized that approximately 8 to 10 individuals were issued tax declarations for these lands without the necessary Alienable and Disposable Certification from CENRO.
“Those tax declarations issued to around 8 to 10 persons are considered void ab initio, considering the absence of an A&D Certification from CENRO,” exclaimed Mayor Estranero.
Estranero has already informed Congressman Mangaoang that the area could potentially be proclaimed as a city reservation for the proposed regional center of the Cordillera region, particularly once the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) is established.
“My vision for that area is to have it landscaped and developed similarly to Camp John Hay or Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City. This would attract local or domestic tourists and provide a welcoming scenery with its majestic views before they enter the City of Tabuk or Kalinga Province,” he added.
According to the local chief executive, Talaca is the only potential area in the city capable of hosting the construction of several regional centers in CAR.
In addition to this, Mayor Estranero also acknowledges that while the city is currently not equipped to serve as the regional center of the Cordillera, proactive measures are underway to ready Tabuk for such a pivotal role once the region attains autonomy.
“Tabuk is not yet prepared to assume the mantle of regional center, but we are diligently laying the groundwork for that eventuality as the Cordillera moves towards autonomy,” emphasized Mayor Estranero.
The plans for a 165-hectare reservation within the Talaca area that earmarked for conversion into a regional center is an strategic initiative that reflects the city’s forward-looking approach, with the local government committed to acquiring the property for future development upon the Cordillera’s transition to an autonomous region.
Expressing gratitude for the support of Tabuk’s residents and officials, Mayor Estranero lauded the endorsements from local authorities and the Regional Development Council (RDC), which bolster efforts to attract investors and stimulate economic growth in strategic areas of the city.
In anticipation of autonomy, Tabuk is actively updating its development plans and programs to ensure readiness for the transition. Mayor Estranero emphasized the significance of Cordillerans rallying behind the quest for autonomy, citing the benefits of decentralized governance and tailored policies conducive to the region’s unique landscape.
With its vast land area exceeding 700.1 square kilometers, Tabuk holds the distinction of being the country’s third-largest city, trailing only behind Davao City in Mindanao and Ilagan City in nearby Isabela. Renowned as the rice granary of the Cordillera due to its extensive agricultural farms, Tabuk stands poised for significant growth and development in the years ahead.
Mayor Estranero underscored the importance of implementing appropriate policies to strike a balance between urban development and the city’s agricultural heritage. As Tabuk charts its course towards the future, strategic planning and community engagement remain pivotal in ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity in the evolving landscape of the Cordillera region. By Jesse Maguiya
