Sta.

Rosa Realty Development Corporation v CA

Facts: Petitioner Sta. Rosa Realty Development Corporation was the registered owner of two
parcels of land with a total area of 254.6 hectares. According to petitioner, the parcels of
land are watersheds, which provide clean potable water to the Canlubang community.
Petitioner alleged that respondents usurped its rights over the property, thereby destroying
the ecosystem. Sometime in December 1985, respondents filed a civil case with the
Regional Trial Court seeking an easement of a right of way to and from Barangay Casile. By
way of counterclaim, however, petitioner sought the ejectment of private respondents. After
the filing of the ejectment cases, respondents petitioned the Department of Agrarian Reform
for the compulsory acquisition of the SRRDC property under the CARP. The landholding of
SRRDC was placed under compulsory acquisition. Petitioner objected to the compulsory
acquisition of the property contending that the area was not appropriate for agricultural
purposes. The area was rugged in terrain with slopes of 18% and above and that the
occupants of the land were squatters, who were not entitled to any land as beneficiaries.
The DARAB ruled against the petitioner. On appeal the CA affirmed the decision of DARAB.

Issue: Whether or not the property in question is covered by CARP despite the fact that the
entire property formed part of a watershed area prior to the enactment of R. A. No. 6657

Held: Watershed is one of those enumerated by CARP to be exempt from its coverage. We
cannot ignore the fact that the disputed parcels of land form a vital part of an area that need
to be protected for watershed purposes. The protection of watersheds ensures an adequate
supply of water for future generations and the control of flashfloods that not only damage
property but cause loss of lives. Protection of watersheds is an intergenerational
responsibility that needs to be answered now.