Kalinga-Cagayan boundary dispute affecting Rizal town to be addressed peacefully

Tabuk City, Kalinga - A boundary dispute between the provinces of Cagayan and Kalinga that affects the Municipality of Rizal is on its way to being addressed peacefully.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Board Member Atty. Danzel Langkit, who is among the representatives of Kalinga to the issue, assures that the dispute is not as severe as it may appear.

Langkit explained that the dispute stems from discrepancies in the 1997 cadastral survey. Cadastral surveying is the land surveying discipline that pertains to the definition or re-establishment of land parcel boundaries.

Langkit said he will raise the issue at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) session on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, so that it can be addressed in a prompt and effective manner.

Minimal impact on Rizal’s residents

Although the boundary dispute created some administrative and jurisdictional issues, Langkit assured that the people of Rizal have not been severely affected.

According to him, the state of confusion happened due to boundary uncertainty, especially with regard to resource distribution, tax jurisdiction, and access to provincial programs. However, he asserted that with all these complexities, the lives of the people of Rizal remain peaceful.

"While the boundary issue exists, it is not a huge problem, especially for the people of Rizal. We are addressing it peacefully, both provinces," he shared.

Additionally, the significant impact of the issue on Rizal's residents is jurisdictional ambiguity, especially as to which provincial government will implement health programs, infrastructure projects, and land registration.

With this, the local officials of Rizal have been very cooperative with the provincial officials to ensure that the municipality continues to receive the necessary support.

Cagayan and Kalinga cooperation

One of the main considerations in the resolution of the conflict is the cooperation of the two provincial local government units. According to Langkit, the leadership of Cagayan under Governor Manuel Mamba has been an important factor in resolving the issue amicably.

Based on what he shared, Governor Mamba has been putting cooperation above conflict, focusing on solutions that will benefit both provinces and, most importantly, the residents of Rizal.

“Governor Mamba has been very supportive of a cooperative approach,” he added, while assuring issues will be managed amicably.