Long-Awaited Land Grants Awarded to Residents of Togudon
- nabalunews
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
6 August 2025
PENAMPANG: A total of seventy-nine land grant applicants from Kg Togudon finally received their long-awaited land grants today in a simple but heartfelt ceremony. Many of these applicants had submitted their applications several years ago, patiently awaiting official recognition of their land rights. The recent issuance of these grants was made possible through the successful implementation of the PANTAS programme, which aims to streamline and expedite land title processing for rightful landholders.
The grants were officially presented by Penampang Member of Parliament, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who expressed his congratulations and support for the recipients.
Among those present was the oldest recipient, an 86-year-old resident whose years of patience and perseverance finally culminated in this momentous occasion.
The ceremony was attended by community leaders, local officials, and proud family members, all celebrating the recognition of land ownership that will undoubtedly contribute to the stability and prosperity of these families.
The 86-year-old recipient, Tihim Gongulon, shared her heartfelt gratitude, recalling the struggles she faced without formal landownership and expressing hope that this grant will secure her family’s future for generations to come.
“I have already planted rubber trees and durian on the one-acre plot of land I applied for a very long time ago. My ten children and I live off this land. They are still with me, as we are all farmers,” she stated.
Gamato Galangub, aged 84, echoed her sentiments, saying, “I started clearing the land when I was about 30 years old. It was hard work, but I managed to clear approximately 15 acres. I planted fruit trees, rubber trees, and various fruit-bearing plants such as salak (snake fruit).”
“Over the years, I have gone to various offices and departments concerned, but each time I was met with disappointment. My application was never approved. I have since built a house there, where my twelve children grew up. They are all adults now, and I have great-grandchildren, but only this year did we finally receive the land grant,” he explained.
“We are all very grateful to Datuk Ewon for looking into our plight. He is a great leader, and we pray he will continue to serve as our leader here,” he added.
Kandaloi Gongoh, aged 80, expressed his gratitude for receiving his land grant for the three acres he had applied for many years ago.
“It must have been around 40 years ago when I made my application, but our grant never materialised,” he said. “I have planted paddy on the land and also langsat (lansium) trees, which have borne fruit numerous times.”
The father of twelve children expressed his appreciation for the Penampang Member of Parliament’s concern for his constituents, remarking, “He is a good leader, and we hope he will continue to serve as our leader here.”
Jupinis Gosungkit, 71, said she had been waiting for the issuance of the land grants so long, that today's function was just short of amazing.
This mother of 11 children said she had worked the land, planting fruit trees, paddy and vegetables, for many years.
She thanked the authorities who had made it possible and stressed that she will keep on tending her land.
Gansiul Alfred Girang, who owns approximately ten acres of land, echoed his fellow recipients’ sentiments, adding that they now feel secure in their own land.
“Even though we have lived here all our lives, we often felt insecure without proper documentation confirming that the land we reside on is indeed ours. Now, we feel safe and secure, thanks to our MP, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who has kindly ensured that we become official landowners by having our land officially parcelled and documented,” he stated.
These interviewees are also village entrepreneurs in Kg Togudon Tamu desa, where they sell their surplus crops and fruits. They actively participate in the local market, often taking their produce to sell at the Tamu Dongonggon, a bustling marketplace that serves as a vital hub for their trade. Through these markets, they are able to earn additional income and support their families.
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