Career
In August 2009, Castillero was named Technical Coordinator of PRONAT — the National Land Administration Program, the sole government entity responsible for facilitating the titling process in Panama — by Panama President Ricardo Martinelli. Since that time, under the Martinelli administration, he and his PRONAT team have, on average, titled more than 2,500 properties per month. The impact of Castillero’s and his team’s early work at PRONAT came to fruition on December 31, 2009 when Law 80 was passed, facilitating possessory rights and free land titles across the Panamanian coastal zones and islands.
These regions, incidentally, are home to many indigenous peoples, whose agrarian livelihoods render most unable to pay even modest amounts for the titles that stand to name them rightful owners of land which, in most cases, has sustained their families for generations.
With this in mind, PRONAT made titles for properties of five hectares or less available free-of-charge to the possessor. Foreign those who wish to title more than five hectares — or buy currently unoccupied untitled land from the government — a price table, based on property location and size, is included in the law, alleviating discrepancies and legal confusion.
Mr. Castillero earned his Law and Political Science degree from Santa Maria Louisiana Antigua University in Panama City, Panama, and later, a master"s degree in international banking and financial law from Boston University, United States of America. Alejandro boasts a long record of public service and has held many important posts throughout his career, namely, National Director of Copyrights at the Ministry of Education, Legal Advisor to the Agriculture Affairs Committee of the National Legislative Assembly, and Legal Advisor to the Superintendency of Banks.
Castillero stepped down in 2009 as Chief Executive Officer of Cascor Realty to accept his public position as Director of PRONAT, but remains active in various philanthropic initiatives and charitable organizations.
