July 25, 2025 — The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) formally presented its approved Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) 2022–2032 to non-affiliated settlers currently residing within the institution’s land area.
Engr. Nenette M. Laurio, Director of Planning and Development Services, led the detailed discussion of the LUDIP, which outlines the long-term spatial development and infrastructure priorities of the institution in line with national and local development goals. The LUDIP has been duly approved by the DEBESMSCAT Board of Trustees under Resolution No. 24-10.
In support of the presentation, Engr. Reynald Malag, Director of Project Management and Physical Plant Services, walked the settlers through the historical land boundaries of DEBESMSCAT, based on the officially certified 1954 survey map. The map, signed and validated by then Assistant Director of Lands Vicente Tordesillas under the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources – Bureau of Lands, confirms that the entire 3,660.3786-hectare property is government-owned.
Legal Officer Atty. John Mark Masamoc explained the legal provisions surrounding the LUDIP, emphasizing the institution’s mandate under Republic Act No. 11171. The law, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte on January 3, 2019, formally transferred and titled the land to DEBESMSCAT for exclusive use in education, research, and public service.
The settlers, who currently occupy portions of DEBESMSCAT’s land without formal proof of ownership or legal claim, were given the opportunity to express their acknowledgment of the LUDIP.
After a thorough explanation of the document’s implications and legal foundations by Atty. Masamoc, the settlers voluntarily signed an Affidavit of Undertaking, signifying their full understanding and acceptance of the institution’s land use directive.
Serving as moderator for the activity was Dr. Donata Valler, Dean of the College of Agriculture, who ensured a respectful and informative dialogue between the institution and the settlers.
The DEBESMSCAT LUDIP was earlier reviewed and endorsed by the Regional LUDIP Evaluation Team, composed of representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Economic and Development Authority (now the Department of Economic Planning and Development), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Bicol University, and the Local Government Unit of Mandaon.
The institution reiterates that its landholdings, formerly under the names MNAS, MAC, and DEBESMAC, are dedicated solely for public educational, research, and service purposes, as stipulated in Section 17 of RA 11171.
Ladies and gentlemen,
