FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Introduced by Senator JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORYNOTE 
A comprehensive national land use policy is certainly among the essential bey factors in 
0111' collective pursuit of growth and development. The fact that there appears to be an absence of 
such policy partly explains our country's inability to move forward as it fails to justly provide for 
a rational, holistic and just allocation and utilization, management and development of the 
country's land resources that will truly ensure their optimum use consistent with the principle of 
sustainable development. 
The proposed measure aims to critically address this predicament with the establishment 
of a "National Land Use Policy" that will institutionalize judicious and effective land use through 
provision of appropriate implementing mechanisms and strategies. 
Through this measure, there shall finally be an adoption of a land use and allocation 
pattern that promotes and ensures, among others: 
protection of prime agricultural lands; 
rational population distribution and settlements; 
energy security or energy self sufficiency through sustainable and priority development 
of indigenous energy resources; 
an integrated approach to the utilization and management of water as a limited resource 
that will complement and support sustainable land utilization and ensure water security; 
and others. 
There is so much hope once such policy is institutionalized. Hence, immediate passage of this 
proposed measure is earnestly sought. 
JI X d  
GGO 
JERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 
u 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 6 1 1  
Introduced by Senator JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL LAND USE POLICY, PROVIDING THE 
IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as "The National Land Use Act of the 
Philippines". 
SEC, 2. Declnrrifion of PoIky. - It is the policy of the State to provide for a rational, 
holistic and just allocation, utilization, management and development of the country's land 
resources to ensure optimum use consistent with the principle of sustainable development. 
Toward this end, the State shall adopt a land use and allocation pattern that promotes and 
ensures: 
(a) Protection of prime agricultural lands fro food production activities and highest 
priority to the completion of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP): 
(b) Food security in basic food commodities with emphasis on self-sufficiency in rice 
and corn production through efficient. and sustainable use of land resources 
consistent with the principles of sound agricultural development, natural resources 
development, and agrarian reform; 
(c) Sustainable development, management and utilization of natural resources, and 
maintenance and preservation of environmental integrity and stability; 
(d) Rational population distribution and settlements development; 


Equitable and sustainable economic growth, md balanced and dispersed 
industrial and tourisnl development guided by the principles of agrarian 
reform, urban land reform, and rural development; 
. .  , 
Energy security or energy self-sufficiency through sustainable and priority 
development of indigenous energy resources; 
Harmony between the rights and the varied interests of every Filipino 
within the kamework of people empowerment, decentralization, social 
justice, and equity; 
Respect and protection of the sustainable traditional resource rights of the 
indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/Ips) to their 
ancestral domains to ensure their economic, social, and cultural well-being 
as well as recognition of the applicability of customary laws and 
sustainable traditional resonrce use and management, lcnowledge, and 
practices in ancestral domains; 
Protection of the rights of basic sectors to ensure equitable access to the 
country's land and other resources through state regulation of land 
valuation to prevent uncontrolled land speculation resulting in tremendous 
increase in land pricing; and 
An integrated approach to the utilization, allocation, development and 
management of water as a limited resource that will complcment and 
support sustainable land utilization, and ensure water security, 
It is also the policy of the State to institutionalize land use and physical planning 
as a mechanism for identifying, determining, and evaluating alternative land use patterns. 
This shall be supported by a national land use allocation system and a land resource 
information and management system. 
Guided by the principle that the use of land bears a social function and that all 
economic agents shall contribute to the common good, landowners shall be held 
responsible for developing and conserving their lands thereby making their lands 
productive and supportive of environmental stability. 
2 


Multiple land usage is also enconraged to optimize utilization of our, COnntry'S 
varied, but limited, ,resources 
SEC. 3. Scope. - This Act shall apply to all lands whether public, private, or 
government-owned, and/or in the possession of individuals, communities, or groups of 
people, to guide and/or govern the use, allocation, and management of land resources 
including nrch activities which bear impact on said resources. 
SEC. 4. Definitions. - As used in and for purposes of this Act, the fallowing 
terms shall mean: 
"Ag~icnltnl'al Lands" refer to lands devoted to or snitable for the 
cultivation of the soil, planting of crops, growing of fruit trees, raising of 
livestock, poultry, fish or aquaculture production, including the harvesting 
of such farm products, and other farm activities and practices perfomed in 
conjunction with such farming operations by persons whether natural or 
juridical and not classified by law as mineral land, forest land, residential 
land, commercial land, or industrial land; 
"Agricultural Land Use Conversion" refers to the undefiaking of any 
development activities which modify or alter the physical characteristics 
of agricnltural lands to render them suitable for non-agicultural purposes 
with an approved order of conversion issued exclusively by the Land Use 
Policy Administration upon the recommendation of the Department of 
Agrarian Reform (DAR); 
"Alienable and Disposable Lands" refer to lands of the public domain 
which have been delineated, classified and certified as such and available 
for disposition under Commonwealth Act No. 141, as amended, otherwise 
known as "The Public Land Act"; 
"Ancestral Domains" refer to all areas generally belonging to indigenous 
cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) as defined in 
Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as "The Indigenous Peoples 
Rights Act of 1997" or "PRA"; 
"Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP)" refers to a document embodying 
a set of policies accompanied by maps and similar ilhtstrations which 
3 


represent the community-desired pattern of population distribution and a 
proposal for the future allocation of land to the various land-using 
activities, in accordance with the social and economic objectives of the 
people. It identifies the location, character and extent of lhe area's land 
resources to be used for different puposes and indudes the process and 
the criteria employed in the determination of the land use. It incorporates 
the protected areas including the protected agricultural lands provided for 
in Sec. 33 hereot 
(0 
"Comprehensive Land Use Planning" refers to the act of defining the 
allocation, utilization, development, and management of all lands within a 
given territory 01' jurisdiction according lo the inherent characteristim of 
the land itself and supportive of sustainable, economic, demographic, 
socio-cultural and environmental objectives as an aid to decision-making 
and legislation; 
(g) 
"Coastal AredZone" is a band of dry land and adjacent sea or ocean space 
(water and submerged land) in which terrestrial processes and uses directly 
affect marine or oceanic processes and uses, and vice versa. Its landward 
limit shall be lwo (2) kilometers Bom the shoreline at highest high tide, to 
include mangrove swamps, brackish water ponds, nipa swamps and 
estuarine rivers, and its seaward limit shall be up to the 200-meter isobath, 
to include sandy beaches, coral reefs, algal flats, seagrass beds and other 
soft-bottom areas; 
(h) 
"Customary Laws" refer to a body of written and/or unwritten rules, 
usages, customs and practices traditionally and continually recognized, 
accepted, and obsenred by respective ICCs/IPs consistent with the PW, 
(i) 
"Development Plan" refers to a document which defines the activities or 
measures lhat the national government or local government units (LGUs) 
intend to implement in order to achieve a defined set O F  development 
goals. It integrates the socio-economic and sectoral plans of the national 
government or its inshvmentality or a particular LGU with spatial plans 
such as land use or physical framework plans. It may include an analysis 
of problems and resources, definition of goals and objectives, policy 
guidelines, project and target achievements, and an implementation 
.. . 
. 
A 


mechanism which dcfines the roles and contributions expected from lhe 
government and the private sector. 
6 )  
"Disaster-prone Areas" refer to areas frequently visited and/or prone to 
experience weatherlclimatic, hydrologic, geologic and other natural 
calamities: 
(Jc) 
"Ecologically-fizgile Lands" refer to lands within the critical watershed, 
brackish aud freshwater wetlands, pasture lands and croplands which 
require rehabilitation and whose continued unsuslainable use would 
adversely affect the productivity of lowland agricultural area and the 
stability of the upland system and the viability of other areas; 
(1) 
"Energy Resources" refer to surface or subsurface substances, which serve as 
energy sources. These are traditionally mineral fuel deposits such as coal, 
petroleum, ~iatni~l 
gas or resources from geothermal or hydro resemoirs, 
or non-conventional sources such as ocean waves, solar, wind, biomass, 
and other similar resources which seive the same purpose; 
t
.
,
 
(m) "Energy Resource Lands" refer to lands where naturally occurring or 
indigenous energy resonrces exist in sufficient quantity or quality as to be 
economically viable for exploration, development, production, utilization, 
and distribution purposes; 
(n) 
"Environmentally Critical Areas" refer to areas declared by law or 
presidential issuance as: (a) protected areas pursuant to Republic Act No. 
7586 or the "NIPAS Act of 1992"; @) areas for watershed reserves; (c) 
areas set aside as aesthetic potential tourist spots; (dj areas which 
constitute the habitat for any endangered or threatened species of 
indigenous Philippine wildlife (flora and fauna); (e) areas of unique 
historic, archeological and scientific interests; (f) areas that are 
traditionally occupied by the ICCs/IPs; (g) areas with critical slopes; (h) 
areas frequently visited and/or hard hit by natural calamities (geologic 
hazards, floods, typhoons and volcanic activities); (i) areas classified as 
prime agricultural lands; 0) recharge areas of aquifers; (k) water bodies; 
(1) mangrove areas; (m) coral reefs; (n) mossy and virgin forests; (0) rivers 
and river banks; (pj swamp forest and marshlands; (4) foreshore lands; and 
(r) small islands five tbousand (5,000) hectares and below in size. For 
5 


purposes of this Act, this term shall also refer to other terrestrial, aquatic 
and marine areas that need special protection and conservation measures 
because they are ecologically fragile or they are needed for food security 
and food sell-sufficiency as determined by concerned agencies and local 
government units in consultation with the concerned sectors; 
(0) "Exhausted Energy Resource Lands" refer to specific energy resource sites 
whose energy resewes of the desired type(s) are no longer in sufficient 
quantity or quality to justify additional expenditure for their extraction and 
utilization; 
(p) 
"Exhausted Minerd Lands" refer to specific sites whose mineral deposits 
are no longer insufficient quantity or quality to justify additional 
expenditure for their extraction and utilization. 
(9) 
"Food Self-sufficiency" refers to the policy objective of meeting the food 
requirements through intensive local food production in a sustainable 
manner based on the country's existing and potential resource endowments 
and related production advantages; 
. .  
(r) 
"Food Seciinty" refers to the policy objective, plan and strategy of meeting 
the food requirements of the present and future generations of Filipinos in 
quantity, ensuring the availability, accessibility and allordability of food to 
all, either though local production or importation, or both, based on the 
country's existing and potential resource endowment and related 
production advantages, and consistent with the overall national 
development objectives and policies; 
(s) 
"Forestlands" refer to those lands of the public domain which have been 
subjected to land evaluation and classification and have beeii legally 
designated as such for production forest and protectiodamenity forest, 
They include the public forest, the permanent forest or forest reserves, and 
forest reservations; 
(t) 
"Foreshore Land" rerers to a striug of land that margins a body of water or 
the shore between the lowest low waterline or a low tide terrace and the 
upper limit of wave wash at highest high tide, usually marked by a beach 
scarp or berm; 
6 


(1,) 
"Geo-hazard Areas" refer to areas where natural or mawinduced 
geological processes that have the potential to cause deslruction and pose 
threat or risk to man's life and property take place; 
(v) 
"Indigenous Cultural Communitiesflndigeiious Peoples (ICCs/lPs)" refer 
to a g o u p  of people or homogenous societies defined under Republic Act 
No, 8371, otherwise known as "The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 
1997" or "IPRA"; 
(w) 
"Indigenous Energy Resources" refer to energy resources, which originate 
or occur naturally in the Philippines; 
(x) 
"Inland Waters" refer to waters which are not coastal and marine waters 
not subject to acquisitive prescription consistent with the provisions of 
Presidential Decree No. 1067, otherwise known as "The "Water Code of 
the Philippines"; 
(y) 
"Land" refers to resources, both natural and man-made, found on the 
surface, below and above the ground including inland waters and the air 
therein; 
(2) 
"Land Subclassification" refers to the act of determining and assigning the 
uses of classified ~puhlic lands such as .forest or timber lands, national 
parks and mineral lands in accordance with existing laws; 
(aa) 
"Land Use" refers to the maimer of utilizing the land, including its 
allocation, development and management; 
(bb) 
"Land Use Classification" refers to the act of delineating or 
allocating lands according to protection land use, production land 
use, settlements development, infraslructure development; and 
other land uses as defined and provided for in this Act; 
(cc) 
"Land Use Policy Administration (J,UPA)" refers to an 
administrative, regulatory and quasi-judicial body provided for 
under this Act which shall he the final authority in all matters 
relating to land use planning; 


(dd) 
"Mandatory 
public 
heauings/consultations" 
refers 
to 'the 
mechanism for ensuring the involvement of the affected 
stakeholders in land use planning from local to national level. It 
involves giving notice of hearindconsultation 
to affected 
stalceholders by publicatiou or posting in conspicuous cases, 
conduct of reasonable number of hearings, solicitation of positions 
and public presenlation and validation of the planning results 
before its finalizalion; 
(ee) 
"Mineral Lands" refer to lands where mineral resources are found; 
(ff) 
"National Parks" refer to land of the public domain classified as 
such in the 1987 Philippine Constitution which include all areas 
under the National Integrated Protected Areas System pursuant to 
Republic Act No. 7586 or the "NIPAS Act ol" 1992"; 
(gg) 
"Non-agricultural Land Use Conversion" refers to the act of 
changing the current use of a piece of nun-agiicultusal land into 
some other uses; 
(hh) 
"Nan-Government Organization (NGO)" refers to a private, non- 
profit voluntary organization that is committed to the task of 
political, socio-economic, physical, cultural and environmental 
development and established primarily to provide service to 
marginalized sectors in these areas; 
(ii) "People's Otganization (PO)" refers to a private, ion-profit, viintitary 
and community-based organization established primarily lo 
provide service to its members and the community in general; 
('jj) 
"Physical Framework Plans" refer to indicative plans based on 
comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs) and national policies 
whether national, regional, or provincial which provide policy 
guidelines fur all decisions relating to land use and environmental 
management to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects of 
inappropriate resource utilization on food security, the people's 
welfare and their environment. It embodies both policies and 
strategies necessary to carry out development goals and objectives; 
8 


(lclc) 
"Premature or Illegal Conversion of Agricultural LaucY refers to 
the undertaking of any activity wliose results will modify or alter 
the physical characteristics of agricultural lands to render them 
suitable for non-agricultural purposes without an approved order of 
conversion from the LWA. 
. .  , 
(11) 
"Prime Agricultural Lands" refer to lands that can be used for various 
or specific agricultural activities and can provide optimum and 
sustainable yield with a minimum of inputs and development costs; 
(mm) "Production Land Use" refers to the direct and indirect utilization 
of land to generate outputs resulting from the following activities: 
agricultural, fish farming or aquaculture, timber or agro-forestry, 
grazing and pasture, mining, industrial, lourism, and indigenous 
energy resource development; 
(nn) "Protected Area" refers to identified portions of land and water set 
aside by reason of their unique physical and biological 
significance, managed to enhanced biological diversity and 
protected against destructive human exploitation pursuant to 
Republic Act No. 7586 or the "NIPAS Act of 1992". For purposes 
of this Act, it shall include agricultural lands identified and 
delineated under Sec. 33 hereot 
(no) 
"Protection Land Use" refers to the utilization of land primarily for 
the rehabilitation, consetvation and protection purposes and the 
promotion of the country's ecological and life-support systems; 
(pp) 
"Public Domain" refers to lands belonging to the State which may 
either be agricultural, forest or timber, mineral or national park as 
provided for in the Constitution; 
.
.
 
(qq) 
"Public Lands" refer to lands which have not been subject to 
private property rights or subject to sale or other modes of 
acquisition of concession, under the general laws, and are devoted 
Lo public use; 
9 


(rr) 
"Resettlement Areas" refer to areas identified by the appropriate 
national agency or by the local government unit with respect to 
areas within its jurisdiction, which shall be used for the relocation 
of the underprivileged, homeless citizens, and informal settlers; 
(5s) 
"Settlement" refers to the habitat, community or built-up 
environment where people prefer to live in; 
(tt) 
"Settlements Development" refers to any improvement on existing 
settlements, or any proposed development of certain areas Cor 
settlement purposes. 
It also involves the spatial distribution of 
population, identification o f  the roles and functions of key urban 
ceniers ,md determination of relationships among settlement areas, 
and the provision ofbasic services and facilities of identified major 
settlement areas or growth centers; 
(nu) 
"Shoreline" is the line where shore and water meet. "Shore" is the 
narrow strip of rand in immediate contact with any body of water, 
including the area between high and low water lines; 
(vv) 
"Socialized Housing" refers to housing programs and projects 
undertaken by the Government or the private sector for the 
underprivileged, homeless citizens, and informal settlers which 
shall include sites and services development, long-term financing, 
liberalized terms on interest payments, and such other benefits in 
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7279, 
otherwise known as the "Urban Development and Housing Act of 
1992" (UDHA); 
(ww) "Socialized Housing Zones" refer to lands identified and 
designated by the local government units as sites for socialized 
housing pursuant to Article 1V of Republic Act No. 7279 and its 
implementing guidelines; 
.. . 
, 
.. 
. 
(xx) 
"Sub-classification or reclassification of agricultural lands" refers 
to the process undertaken by the local government units of 
allocating in their respective territorial jurisdictions the declared 
agricultural lands to specific uses such as residential, industrial or 
10 


coinmercial purposes. It shall serve as one of the bases for 
application for land conversion by the owners theveof and shall 
constitute the power of the local government units to reclassify 
lands under Sec. 20 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as 
the "Local Government Code of 1991" consistenl with the 
provisions of this Act; 
(yy) 
"Sustainable development" refers to the development objective of 
meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability 
of future generations to meet their own weds consistent with the 
principles of social equity, efficiency and environmental integrity; 
.. . 
, 
(zz) 
"Tourism Development heas" refer to specific sites for tourism 
development located in areas identified as priorities in the national 
and regional tourism master plans as well as those designated 
through legislative and executive issuances as tourist spots and 
tourist zones which can be developed into tourism estates or 
integrated resort, leisure and recreation complexes, and other 
tourism related facilities; 
(aaa) "Tourism Estates" refer to large tracts oE land with well- 
defined boundaries in any area identified in the Philippine 
Tourism Master Plan, Regional Tourism Master Plans, by 
proclamation of the President and/or by acts of Congress 
including local and integrated tourism and resort complex 
including but not limited to accommodation facjlijjes, fmd 
and beverages outlets, convention and meeting areas, 
sports, recreational and leisure centers and commercial 
outlets among otbes. The estate shall be under one unified 
and continuous management; 
(bbh) "Tourist Zone" refers to a geographic area with well- 
defined boundaries proclaimed as such by the President 
and/or by acts of Congress and is established for the 
enhancement and/or the conservation of natural attributes 
and man-made resources as well as the presewation of 
cultural and historical heritage for the appreciation and 
enjoyment of the local population and the visitors; .. 
t 
, 
11 


(ccc) "Tourist Spot" refers to a particular area, site or spot, 
whether man-made or natural, known for its unique tourist 
or visitor drawing attributes and activities. It may be 
classified according to its social, cultural, natural, historical, 
scientific, religious and recreational significance; 
(ddd) "Urban areas" refer to all cities regardless of their 
population density and to municipalities with a population 
density of at least five hundred (500) persons per square 
kilometer; 
(eee) "Urbanizable areas" refer to sites and lands which, 
considering 
present 
characteristics 
and 
prevailing 
conditions, display marked and great potential of becoming 
urban areas within the period of five (5) years; 
.
.
 , 
(fff) 
"Water security" is sufficient access throughout the year to 
the minimum daily requirement of clean water to maintain a 
healthy life; 
(ggg) "Water Use" is the appropriation of water for domestic, 
municipal, irrigation, power generation, inland fisheries, 
poultry 
and 
livestock, industrial 
and 
commercial, 
environmental, and recreational use; 
(hhh) "Watershed" refers to a catchment area or drainage basin 
from which the waters of a stream or stream system are 
drawn; 
(iii) 
"Zoning" refers to the regulatory tool for delineating the 
specific uses of lands in accordance with the approved 
comprehensive land use plan within the territorial 
jurisdiction of a city or municipality and specifying the 
conditions for their regulation, subject to the limitations 
imposed by law and competent authority; and, 
(jjj) 
"Zoning Ordinance (ZO)" refers to a local legislation 
approving the developmentlland use plan and providing for 
12 


the regulations and other conditions 011 the uses of land 
including the limitation on the infrastmctnre that may be 
placed within the territorial juiisdiction of a city or 
municipality, It incorporates the protected areas under 
Section 14 (a) and the protected agicultural lands under 
Section 33 hereof. 
CHAPTER U 
NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR LAND USE PLANNING 
Article One 
Physical Framework and Land Use Plans 
' 
SEC. 5. National Land Use Planning and Zoning Guidelines and Stahdards. - 
Within six (6) months from the effectivity of the Act, the Land Use Policy 
Administration (LUPA), created under this Act, shall, in consultation with the concerned 
stakeholders through mandatory conduct of public hearings, formulate national land use 
planning and zoning guidelines and standards which shall guide the local government 
units (LGUs) in formulating their Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) and enacting 
. .  
their zoning ordinances (ZOs). Siandards and guidelines on land we shall be set at the 
national level for major island groupings based on available data provided by the existing 
mapping program. The guidelines and standards shall, among others, include: (a) the 
implementing rules and regulations of this Act; (b) the delineated protected areas 
including the agricultural lands that are given protection under Section 33 of this Act 
which areas shall be incorporated in the following plans and shall not be subject to 
reduction except by laws or issuances from the concerned national agencies; md, (c) the 
spatial implications of relevant national policies, national development plan, and existing 
sectoral plans which are consistmt with the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 6. City and Municipal Land Use Plans. - Consistent with the preceding 
section and in consultation with the concerned stakeholders through mandatory conduct 
of public hearings, the cities and the municipalities through their local development 
councils shall prepare their respective CLLJPs to determine the specific uses of their land 
and other physical resources, including the delineation of actual boundaries on the ground 
on the territorial jurisdiction of the city or municipality and the translation and integration 
of sectoral plans in their respeclive plans. Protected areas pursuant to Section 14 and 
other existing laws and issuances as well as the agricultural lands identified and 
delineated under Section 33, and the identified socialized housing sites under Sections 58 
13 


and 59 hereof shall he incorpol-ated in the CLUPs but the respective LGUs shall not 
diminish the areas included therein. 
SEC. 7. Provincial and Regional Physical Framework Plans. - In consultation 
with the concerned stalceholders through mandatory conduct of public hearings, the 
Provincial Development Council (PDC) and the Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) 
as provided for in Section 25 hereof shall prepare their respective provincial and regional 
physical framework plans (PPFPs and RPFPs) which shall consolidate, integrate, 
harmonize, and reconcile the land use plans of the component cities and municipalities of 
respective provinces or the land use plans of respective provinces and independent and 
highly urbanized cities located in the concerned regions, as the case may he, based on the 
preceding standards and guidelines as well as the city and municipal C1,UPs. 
SEC 8. Land Use Plans for Aucestral Domains. 
~ Land use plans for the 
delineated and recognized ancestral domains shall be formulated by the indigenous 
cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/l€'s) 
themselves in accordance with their 
particular needs and traditional resource and management systems with the assistance of 
the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the LGUs concerned. Such 
plans shall be recognized and integrated in the CLUPs as well as in the provincial, 
regional and national physical framework plans. CLUPs or physical framework plans 
made prior to delineation of ancestral domains included in such plans or ordinances shall 
be without prejudice to the right of the ICCsmPs concerned to adopt different land use 
categories in accordauce with their particular needs and traditional resource .and 
management systems. 
SEC. 9. National Physical Framework Plan. - Based on the completed CLUPs, 
the PPFP, and the WFP, the LUPA may revise the standards and guidelines in Section 5 
hereor, except with respect to the delineated and protected areas which may he subject to 
review every five (5) years, and formulate the National Physkal Framework Plan 
(NPFP). The Nl'FP shall define the objectives, policies and strategies on the indicative 
uses of land and other physical resources of the country to guide and support the 
implementation of the national development plan. Upon its completion, all subsequent 
planning processes pertaining to the use of land resources shall conform to the mandatory 
provisions of the NPFP, particularly with respect to the protected areas. 
However, in case of national emergency or security, or when public interest so 
demands, as certified by the President, the LUPA is empowered lo review and/or revise 
14 


the NPFP whenever necessary, without prejudice to actions that may be taken by afreectecl. 
individuals, groups, or entities, whether public or private. 
Article Two 
Local Land Use Planning and Zoning 
SEC. 10. Basis of CitylMuuicipality Land Use Plans. - The CI,uPs of cities and 
municipalities shall be formulated in consonance with lhe results of mandatory 
consultations of the various stakeholders in the community and subject lo the nationally 
prescribed standards and guidelines pursuant to Sections 5 and 9 hereof. 
SEC. I t .  Coverage and Basis of Zoning. 
~ Zoning shall cover all alienable and 
disposable lands, government-owned lands, and private lands in the territorial jurisdiction 
of the city or municipality incorporating those declared as protected areas including lbose 
areas given protection under Section 33 hereof. The zoning plan and ordinance of LGUs 
shall be based on their respective approved CLuPs. 
SEC. 12. Period to Conduct Land Use Planning and Zoning. - Within six (6) 
months from the issuance of the guidelines and standards as provided for in Section 5 of 
this Act, all cities and municipalities shall prepare and enact their respective CLUPs and 
20s. The actual zoning of communities based on the standards and guidelines shall be 
conducted before the approval of the NPFP. Thereafter, the CLUPs and ZOs based on 
NpFP as provided for in Section 9 hereof may be subject to review or revision every 
seven (7) years or as mandated by the LUPA. 
Article Three 
Pramework for Land Use Planning 
' 
SEC. 13. Basic Land Use Planning Considerations. - In determining the various 
land uses as provided for in Section 14 hereof, the physical characteristics of the land 
including the following, shall be considered: 
(a) 
Geology, geomorphology, geologic hazards, (e.g., seismic, volcanic, mass 
movements, landslide, etc.) soil and slope; 
Demography (population size, growth and distribution); 
Food security, socio-economic and related development activities; 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Energy security and self-suEciency; 
(e) 
Existing and potential land use; 


(0 
(g) 
Environmental, natural resources, and other conshaints; : 
Existing government policies on land allocation, ntilization, management 
and disposition. 
.. . 
SEC. 14. Categories of Land Uses for Planning Purposes. - In determining and 
defining the NFFF’, Rl’FPsRPFPs and the CLUPs, land uses shall be grouped into four 
major functional uses as follows: 
(a) 
Protection land use 
~ the adoption of which intends to protect, preserve 
and enhance critical ecosystems fiom any human encroachment, 
regenerate and rehabilitate degraded land and other physical resources, 
ensure safeguard against environmental hazards including those resulting 
from unregulated activities, and enhance and sustain the benefits derived 
fiom maintaining the integrity of the nation’s land resources. Areas to be 
cavered under this category are those under the National Integrated 
Protected Areas System (NIPAS) as provided for by R.A. No. 7506 and 
those outside the NIPAS which require rehabilitation and protection as 
identified by the Deparlment of Environment and Natural Resources 
(DENR), in coordination with concerned LGUs and national government 
agencies (NGAs), and in consultation with concerned stakeholders; 
(b) 
production land use - the adoption of which aims to determine the most 
efficient, snstainable, and equitable manner of utilizing, developing and 
managing land for productive purposes. Areas included under this 
category are agricullnral lands even though identified and delineated as 
protected under Section 33 hereof, coastal zones excluding those declared 
by DENR and other similar government agencies that are in 
environmentally critical conditions, production forest, mineral lauds, 
energy resource lands, industrial development areas, and tourism 
development areas; 
I
.
.
 
(c) 
Settlements development - the adoption of which seeks to promote an 
orderly, eqnitable, and sustainable development of human settlements 
responsive to the needs of its inhabitants and the environment. 
Classification shall be made based on the predominant economic and 
socio-cultiual activities, as urban or mal, and based on the topography 
and slope of land as upland, hillside, lowland, or coastal. Major uses under 
this category shall include: residential, including relocation and 
16 


resettlement sites for socialized housing as provided for in R.A. No. 7279 
(or the "Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992' or 'UDHA') and 
socialized housing zones; commercial, industrial; institutional, (e.& sites 
of government offices, health and education), utilities; tourism, 
recreational, including parks, urban forests, open or green space; waste 
disposal; and roads, rail transportation networks, and facilities; 
(d) 
InjFastrucfure development - which shall cover areas identified by the 
LGUs, the National Economic and Development, Authority (NEDA), and 
other concerned agencies as sites for priority infrastructure projects which 
shall include, among others: power plants/stations and major substations; 
indigenous energy resource exploration and development; irrigation and 
flood control sewerage and drainage facilities; water supply system and 
treatment plants; airportslseaportslfish~orts; major road, bridge, and 
railway trunklines; farm-to-market roads; agricnltural research and 
development fanns andlor stations; waste disposal facilities; educational 
facilities; health facilities; telecommunications stationslother facilities; 
disaster mitigation facilities; and marlcet sites: Provided, That the 
determination of functional uses of lands within ancestral domains need 
not necessarily follow the land use categories provided for in this Act and 
separate land use categories for delineated ancestral domains may be 
formulated by the concerned ICCsllPs themselves in accordance with their 
particular needs and traditional resource nnd management systems. 
.. . . 
SEC. 15. Mitltiple Land Uses. - Subject to the provisions of this Act, the LUPA 
shall encourage multiple land uses as long as they are complementary and not 
incompatible with each other. 
SEC. 16. Categories of Water Uses for Planning Purposes. - For purposes o f  
this Act, the categories of water uses for planning purposes shall be in accordance with 
existing laws. 
Notwithstanding such laws, the categories to be adopted must 
complement and support the foregoing categories for land use planning. Within six (6) 
months from the effectivity of this Act, after the conduct of public consultations, the 
National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the LUPA shall jointly adopt and issue 
implementing guidelines, rules, and regulations that will promote the integration of sound 
water reSoUrce utilization, allocation, management, and development with the 
requirements of sustainable land use planning. 
17 


CHAPTER III 
IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE AMD NIECHANISM 
Article One 
Land Use Policy Administration 
SEC. 17. Creation of the Land Use Policy Administratioli (LUPA). -The Land 
Use Policy Administration (LUPA) i s  hereby created which shall he the highest policy 
making body on land use and shall perform the task of integration of efforts, monitoring 
of developments relating to land use, evolution of policies, and regulation and direction 
of land use planning processes. The powers and functions vested by law lo the Housing 
and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) and to the National Laud Use Committee 
gVLIJC) under the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) pertaining to 
land use are hereby transferred to the LUPA. 
SEC. 18. Executive Board. - The LUPA shall have an Executive Board, 
hereinafter referred to as the Board, whose main function is to direct the implementation 
ofthe provisions of this Act, and shall be composed of nineteen (19) members. 
(a) 
The Executive Secretary as Chairperson; 
(b) 
The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
pENR) and the Director-General of the National Economic and 
Development Authority (NEDA) as Vice-Chairpersons; 
(c) 
The Secretaries of Agriculture; Agrarian Reform; Trade and Industry; 
Public Works and Highways; Transportation and Communications; 
Energy; Science and Technology; Tourism; Interior and Local 
Govemmens and Justice as members; 
(d) 
The Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating 
Council (HUDCC) as meniber; 
(e) 
Four (4) representatives from the different basic sectors with direct 
involvement in sustainable land use such as urban poor, peasants, 
fisherfolk, and indigenous peoples - who shall be appointed by the 
President based on the nomination and recommendation of the sectors that 
they respectively represent ~ as members; 
18 


(0 
The Administrator of the LUPA, as ex-officio member, who shall likewise 
act as Secretary to the Board. 
A consultative body composed o f  representatives from the Leagues of 
Municipalities, Cities, and Provinces and from non-government sector such as the 
business sector, NGOs and POs, and the academic community shall likewise be convened 
every two (2) months. 
SEC. 19. Powers and Functions. - The LUPA shall have the following powers 
and functions: 
Formulate policies on, and promulgate, in consultation with all concerned 
stakeholders, national standards add guidelines on land use and zoning 
under Sections 5 and 9 hereof, and issue comesponding rules ‘md 
regulations io enforce compliance thereof; 
.. . 
, 
Formulate NPFP and RPFPs based on land nse plans at the local levels 
that shall serve as guide in translating the national development plan and 
pertinent sectoral plans consistent with the provisions of this Act info 
physical and spatial terms; 
Establish a National Land Use Allocation System which shall provide 
detailed guidelines on land use policy areas or categories for land use 
planning under Section 14 hereof; 
Establish a National Land Resource Information and Management System, 
which shall integrate and process information on land use and allocation 
generated by the various national government agencies, define information 
requirements at various levels, and standardize information inputs/outputs 
including scales and symbols in the case of temtorial and sectoral maps; 
Undertdce the gathering of data, the conduct of studies pertaining to land 
use planning, including studies on the management of identified land nses, 
and such other studies not undertaken by other government agencies; 
Coordinate with, and assist other government agencies and LGUs in 
planning, developing, and implementing their land use classification 
19 


programs, and to fuinish, to the extent possible, technical assistance and 
guidance; 
Monitor and coordinate concerned agencies and entities of the government 
in the enforcement and implementation of policies and regulations relating 
to land use and resource management and development; 
Hear mid resolve conflicts in land use planning, classification, and 
allocation that may arise: (1) at the first instance - between NGAs, 
between an NGA and an LGU, between an NGA and any regional or local 
planning bodies, and other cases not falling under its appellate capacity; 
(2) in its appellate capacity - with respect to conflicts arising from the 
disapprovalimodificalion 
of 
CLUPs 
of 
component 
cities 
and 
municipalities by provinces and from the disapprovallmodzficatiorl of 
PPFPs of provinces by the RLUCs or of Die CLWs of independenl 
component and highly-urbanized cities also by the RLUCs; 
Call on and dqntize any department, bureau, office, agency or 
instmnientality of the government, including the police forces, and or 
private entities and organization for cooperation, snpport, and assistance in 
the performance of its fnnctions; 
. .  
Adopt its own organizational plan and staffing pattern, create central and 
regional offices, and assist the LGUs in the ton nation of local land use 
committees; and, 
Perfonn such other acts and functions and exercise such other powers as 
may be necessarily implied, inherent, incident, or related to the foregoing. 
SEC. 7.0. Offices, Units and Staff Support. ~ The LUPA shall be assisted by a 
secretariat under the general supemision of the Administrator. 
The Administrator may organize at the central and regional levels such offices as 
may be necessary subject to civil service rules and regulations. 
Subject to existing laws, niles and regulations aid until such time that LUPA shall 
have been fully organized and operational, agencies performing functions related to land 
use shall continue to discharge the same, under the operational supetvision and control of 
20 


LUPA and consistent with the national guidelines and standards set forth in Section 5 
hereof. 
SEC. 21, Powers and Functions of tlie Administrator. -The Administraior shall 
have the following powers and functions: 
(a) 
Act as the executive bead of the LUPA and.perform the powers and 
functions incidental to said position; 
@) 
Be responsible for the implementation and overall execution of the 
policies, rules and regulations, and decisions adopted by the Board; and as 
such, he/she shall issue the corresponding implementing administrative 
issuances, and promulgate opinions and interpretative circulars and rulings 
to ensure expeditious and effective implementation thereof; and, 
(c) 
Perform such other powers and functions as may be inherent, incidental, or 
related to the foregoing. 
The decisions of the Administrator may be appealed to the LUPA Board. 
SEC. 22. Qualifications of the Admiuistrator. - The Administrator must have a 
background or siguificant training preferably in the field of environmental and/or 
physical planning, land resources 
.
.
 
management, or development planning, and 
management for a period of at least five ( 5 )  years. He/she shall he appointed by the 
President and shall have the rank of a Cabinet Secretary. 
SEC. 23. Qualifications, Rauk and Duties of the Deputy Administrator. - The 
Administrato? shall be assisted by a Deputy Administrator who shall be appointed by the 
President upon the recommendation of the Board. l l e  Deputy Administrator shall have 
the same qualifications as the Administrator and shall have the rank of an Undersecretary. 
The Deputy Administrator shall be the operational administrative manager of the 
LUPA and shall assist the Administrator in hisher routine housekeeping functions. 
Article Two 
Land Development Councils and Land Use Committees 
21 


SEC. 24. Local Development Coiincils and Land Use Committees. - The 
fotmulation of the CLUPs and PPFPs shall be the primary responsibility of the Local 
Development Councils (LDCs). The LGUs without existing LDCs as mandated by R.A. 
No, 7160 shall create their respective LDCs within one (1) year from the dfectivity of 
this Act. 
Local land use committees pertain to the provincial, city, or municipal land use 
committees (PLUCs, CLUCs, MLUCs) fomled by the LDCs. Existing and newly {armed 
LDCs shall create within one (1) year from the efrectivity of this Act or kom their 
creation as the case may be, a local land use committee to assist them in performing such 
functions as defined in this Act: Provided, That membership therein must, among others, 
include representatives from concerned NGOs and POs, such as but not limited to 
peasants, fisherfolk, urban poor, and indigenous cultural communitieslindigenous 
peoples, Other concerned sectors shall also be invited during committee deliberations and 
public hearings. The CLUCsMLUCs shall likewise solicit the land use positions, views, 
perspectives and issues raised and &iculated by the conc,emed communities through 
their respective barangay representatives who shall also participate during the public 
hearings, Until such time that the LUPA shall have created its counterpart committees at 
the regional level, the Regional Land Use Committees (RLUCs) under the Regional 
Development Councils (RDCs) shall act as the counterpart of the LUPA and shall 
perform such functions as defined under this Act. 
Article Three 
Adoption, Approval and Review of Land Use Plans 
SEC. 25. Component Cities and Municipalities. - Component cities and 
municipalities shall have the power and authority to adopt 'and approve their respective 
CLUPs and 20s through their respective Sanggnnians but subject to the power of review 
of their respective provinces only with respect to the consistency of the CLUPs and 20s 
with Sections 5 and 9 hereof. 
SEC. 26. Provinces and ludependeut and Highly Urbanized Cities. - Provinces 
and independent and highly urbanized cities shall have the power and authority to adopt 
and approve their respective CLWs and ZOs through their respective Sanggunians but 
subject to the power of review of the LUPA through its RLUCs or as provided for in 
Section 25 hereof and only with respect to the consistency of the CLUPs and ZOs with 
Sections 5 and 9 hereof. 
22 


Article Pour 
Responsibilities of the National Government Agencies and LGUs 
SEC. 27. National Base Mapping Program. - A National Mappiilg Program 
shall be implemented, coordinated, and monitored through the creation of an inter-agency 
technical committee composed of the LWA, as the lead agency, the National Mapping 
and Resource Infoimation Authority (NAMRIA), the Bureau 01 Soils and Water 
Management (BSWM), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Forest 
Management Bureau (FMB), the Land Management Bureau (LM.B), the Protected Areas 
And Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), the Philippine lnstitute of Volcanology and Seismology 
(PHIVOLCS), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the National Water Resources 
Board (NSWRB), the Department of Energy (DOE), and other concerned government 
agencieshureaus. 
For purposes of uniformity and standardization, the LGUs, to be assisted by the 
appropriate agencies of the national government, shall likewise prepare their respective 
territorial maps using scales, symbols, and other indicators to he prescribed in accordance 
with this Act. 
SEC. 28. National Geo-hazard Mapping Program. ~ A nationwide Geo-hazard 
Mapping Program shall be implemented jointly though the LUPA by the PHIVOLCS, the 
Bureau of Soils, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services 
Administration (PAGASA), and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), in 
cooidination with the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), the Regional 
Disaster Coordinating Councils, and other concerned government agencies. The program 
sltall include the generation of indicative geo-hazard zoning maps that will outline areas 
in the Philippines prone to liquefaction, land slides, flooding, lahar, ground rupturing, 
tsunami, river erosion, coastal erosion, sinkhole collapse, earlhquake, lava flow, 
pyroclastic flow, base surge, and other natural hazards. 
. .  
For purposes of uniformrty and standardization and in order 'to develop a safe 
built environment, the LGUs shall incorporate and integrate the generated geo-hazard 
zoning maps in lhe preparation of their respective CLUPs and 20s. The geo-hazard maps 
shall serve as guide for all the LGUs in the preparation of their own hazards-constrained 
development plans. 
SEC. 29. Scope and Nature of Responsibilities of Other National Government 
Agencies (NGAs). - All concerned NGAs shall periodically report to the LLPA on the 
23 


various activities and accomplishments relative to land use:. Likewise, they shall provide 
for !heir respective sectoraUdevelopment plans and render technical and admiiiistrative 
support if called upon by the LUPA relative to the implementatibn of the provisions of 
this Act. 
SEC. 30. Submission of Annual Report on the Implementation of CLUPs and 
ZOs. - The LDCs shall submit an annual report on the implementation of their land use 
plans and zoning ordinances to the LUPA through the Sanggunmg Panlalawigan, or in 
the case of highly urbanized and independent cities, through their respective Sangguniw 
Panlungsod. 
.. . 
, 
CHAPTER IV 
SPECIAL AREAS OF CONCERN 
Article One 
Agricultural Lauds 
SEC. 31. Priority Areas for Agricultural Development. - Priority areas for 
agricultural development must be based on the Strategic Agricultural and Fisheries 
Development Zones (SAFDZs) as defined in R.A. No. 8435, othenvise Icnown as the 
Agricultural and fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (AFMA). 
SEC. 32. Conversion of Agricultural Lands. - Agricultxral lands are deemed 
converted to "on-agricultural uses upon approval of the application for conversion by the 
LUPA as recommended by the DAR and as certified by the DA. Prime agricultural lands 
and specific types of lands to the extent necessary for attaining food self-sufficiency in 
rice and corn and food security in other basic commodities, as determined by the DA, 
subject to mandatory consultation with the LGUs, the pnvaLe sector, the NGOs, and POs 
shall be protected from conversion. Such protection shall include, but not limited to, areas 
under the Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Ago-Industrial Development 
(NPAAAD): Provided, That all irrigated and in'igable lands, all lands with existing or 
potential for high value crops, all agricultural lands that are ecologically fragile and 
whose conversion will result into serious environmental problems shall be given full 
protection from conversion. Such protected agricultural lands and areas shall be svbject , 
to review every five (5) years by the DA, after the conduct of mandatory public 
hearings/consultations: Provided, further, That consistent with the State policy on giving 
priority to the completion of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), all 
the remkining lands subject to CAW, including those lands covered under the notice of 
24 


coinpnlsory acquisition/voliintary offer to sell, production or profit-sharing, or 
commercial farm deferment of the CARP, shall also be fully protected from conversion 
pending the distribution and installation of the farmer beneficiaries; but thereafler, 
Section 65 of R.A. No. 6657 shall apply: Provided, finally, That pending the completion 
of the mapping, the identification of specific areas under the NPAAAD and the SAFDZs 
under R.A. No. 8435, the revision thereof pursuant to the foregoing, and the 
incorporation thereof in the NF'FP, there shall be a moratorium in all applications for 
conversion of agricultural lands into non-agricultural uses commencing from the 
effectivity of this Act, except for priority infrastiwture projects that are of national 
interest pursuant to Sec. 63 and 64 hereof. The application for conversion of these 
protected areas shall not be given due conrse by the DAR and the LWA. 
. .  , 
SEC. 33. Sob-classificalion or Reclassificalion of Agricultural Lands by 
LGUs. 
~ Sub-classification or reclassification of agricultural lands to other uses under 
Section 20 of R.A. No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 shall exclude the 
protected agricultural lands as stated in the preceding section. The result oC such sub- 
classification/reclassification shall constitute the actual plan for allocating the future uses 
of lands within the territorial jurisdictions of LGUs and is not synonymous to conversion. 
After the completion of the mapping ofprotected agriculhiral lands, the DA and the DAR 
shall provide the LGUs with a complete list and maps thereof. 
Article Two 
Other Land Use Conversion 
SEC. 34. Conversion of Non-Agricultural Lands. - The approved CLUPs and 
20s of cities or mnnicipalities shall be the basis for authorizing the change of non- 
agricultural lands to other uses, such as from residential to commercial and/or industrial 
subject, however, to national guidelines and standards, and subsequently, the NPFP. A 
public hearing is required before any CLUP/ZO is passed. The Sanggimiang Panlungsod 
or Sanggirniang Bayan shall approve any application for change 01 land use of non- 
agricultural lands based on the recommendation of the CLUCMLUC. 
Article Three 
Warestlands and Preservation of Watersheds 
SEC. 35. Reversion of Alienable and Disposable Lands to Forestlands, -Upon 
the recommendation of the Secretary of h e  DENR, duly reviewed and endorsed by the 
LUPA, and after due consultations with the concerned LGUs and. affected piinies, 
25 


Congress may authorize the reversion of alienable and disposable lands of the public 
domain or portion thereof to forestlands. 
SDC. 36. Determination of Forest Limit. - Within one (1) year after the release 
of the budget appropriated for the purpose of classifying, reclassifying, and delineating 
all lands of the public domain, the DENR shall snbmit the final inventory of lands after 
which, Congress, shall within a period of one hundred twenty (120) working days, 
determine by law the specific limit of forestlands and national parks, and endangered 
€orests and watershed areas, marking clearly their boundaries on the grotmd. Thereafter, 
such forestlands and national parks shall be conserved and may not be diminished, except 
by law. 
SEC. 37. Coverage of Production Forest. - Production forests include: the 
residual dipterocarp forests; pine forests available for logging; rangelands for grazing; 
areas under industrial forest plantation management; areas for community forest program; 
integrated social forestty; and other forestlands for special uses, excluding the critical 
watersheds as identified by the DENR, in coordination with Concerned LGUs and NGAs, 
and subject to mandatory public consultations with concerned sectors. 
SEC. 38. Criteria for the Sub-classification of Public Lands for Timber 
Production, Agro-forestry, Grazing and Pasture and Other Purposes. - The sub- 
classification of public lands shall be guided by the following: 
(a) 
Geology, geomorphology, soil and slope; 
(b) 
Classified public lands below fifty percent (50%) slope may be sub- 
classified for timber production, ago-forestry, grazing or pasture land 
activities provided that the use o f  such areas shall not result in soil 
degradation or any adverse ecological condition; 
(c) 
Watershed may be subject to multiple uses provided that the area is 
utilized, managed and developed for the primary, purpose by which it has 
been established excluding critical watersheds as identified by the DENR, 
in coordination with concerned LGUs and NGAs, and subject to 
mandatory public hearings/consultations with concerned sectors; 
26 


(d) 
All public lands above fifty percent (50%) slope shall be sub-classified 
into appropriate protection or production land uses provided that such land 
use shall noi engender significant adverse environmental effects; and 
(e) 
The overall carrying capacity of classified public lands, including their 
existing and potential land iises shall s w e  as the basis for determining 
their sub-classification, 
SEC. 39, Critical Waterslied Areas. - The DENR, in coordination with the DA, 
the LGUs, and other government agencies, including government-owned-and-controlled 
corporatious, and with mandatory public hearings/consultations, shall identify and 
delineate critical watershed areas that need to be protected, rehabilitated, enhanced, 
and/or withdrawn from uses that contribute to its further degradation. 
SEC. 40. Formulation and Implementatiou of Xutegrated Watershed 
Management Plans. - With the assistance of the DENR in collaboration wiih the 
NWRB, and upon mandatory consultations with the concerned stakeholders, the LGUs 
through their local land use committees shall prepare their watershed management plans 
which shall be integrated with their respective CLUPs. The formulation and integration 
of the plan shall be guided, arirong others, by the principle that the management and 
development of inland water resources shall be at the watershed level. 
In cases where the watershed areas lranscend the boundaries of a particular 
municipality, an inter-LGU committee composed of representatives from local land use 
committees of the LGUs where the watershed area is located shall be formed. With the 
assistance of the DENR and upon mandatory consultations with the concerned 
stakeholders, the inter-LGU committee shall be tasked to formulate the watershed 
management plan for the said watershed area. 
The DENR and the concerned LGUs shall jointly implement the watershed 
management plan subject to regular consultations with and involvement of the 
community stakeholders in the implementation of the plan. 
Article Four 
Costal Zones 
27 


SEC. 41. CIassification of Coastal Zones. - All public lands in the coastal zones 
shall 
be 
sub-classified 
as 
fishponds, 
mangrove, 
fisherfolk 
settlement 
and 
recreationalltourism areas with the end in view of attaining bio-diversity conservation. 
SEC. 42. Gnidelines for the Allocation and Utilization of Lands Within the 
Coastal Zones. - The allocation and utilizaiion of lands within the coastal zones shall he 
guided by the following: 
(a) 
Areas vegetated with mangrove species shall be preserved for mangrove 
production and will not be converted to other uses; 
(b) 
Areas that meet all accepted cntecia on elevation, soil type, soil depth, 
topography supply for successful fishpond development and devoid of any 
mangrove stands, may be ufilized for aquaculture puiposes; 
(c) 
Areas sub-classified as mangrove and still suitable for use as such, or due 
to envitonmental conditions need to he preserved as mangrove, but of 
which the land is devoid of mangrove stands will not be converted to other 
uses. The DENR shall ensure that fhese lands shall be rdorested within a 
given period of time; 
(d) 
Areas that are neither sub-classified a s  mangrove or fishpond may be 
devored for recreational and/or tourism purposes, provided that such 
undertaking will not result in environmental degradation; 
.. 
, 
(e) 
Areas which are considered as traditional fishing grounds shall be used 
primarily for such puqose; 
(f) 
Areas which are allocated for small infrastructures needed by fisherfolk 
shall be allowed; 
(g) 
Areas which form part of foreshore lands as defined in this Act including 
those that are under lease agreements/arrangements should undergo 
zonation and evaluation to deteimine their boundaries and actual sizes and 
corresponding uses; and, 
(h) 
Areas which are classified for fisherfolk settlement and housing shall be 
allocated to: 
28 


(1) 
traditional fishers or fisherfolk who are inhabitants of the, coastal 
communities; and 
(2) 
members of legitimate fisherfolk organizations and/or holders of 
stewardship, lease contracts, or titles to ancestral domains or any 
form of property rights arrangements, who participate in coastal 
resource management initiatives. 
SDC. 43. Coastal Zone Land Sub-classification by LCUs. - Sub-classification 
of coastal zones to different uses, which shall exclude the protected areas as stated in this 
Act, by the LGUs shall be subject to prior consnltation with local Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resource Management Councils (FARMCs) formed under R.A. No. 8550. 
SEC. 44. Disposition of Public Lands for Fishpond, Upon the effectivity of 
this Act but subject to existing rights and the preceding section, no fishpond lease 
agreement (FLA) shall be issued for tidal swamps, mangroves and oilier swamps, 
marshes, ponds, foreshore lands, and coastal areas within public lands, inclnding those 
presently declared available for fishpond development. The LUPA, in coordination with 
the DENR, the DA, the FARMCs and the LGUs shall set aside a portion of available 
public lands for fish propagation, fish sanctuary, conservation, ecological purposes and 
fisherfolk settlement areas. 
Fishponds covered by existing FLA, hut, are abandoned or not operating 
efficiently, and are found suitable for mangroves shall be allowed to be revegetated back 
as mangrove forest. 
.. 
I 
. 
SEC. 45. Tourism and Recreation Zone. - The designation of areas for tourism 
and resorts near to or over fishery areas or ports thereof, shall be with the consent of the 
concerned LGUs and FARMCs, and subject to the policies and guidelines set forth in this 
Act, 
Article Five 
Mineral Lands 
SEC. 46. Guidelines for the Utilization and Allocation of Land for Mining 
Purposes. - TO ensure that the objectives of maintaining ecological balance and 
maximizing economic returns to mining operations are realized and consistent with R.A. 
29 


No. 7942, the allocation and ntihation of lands for mining purposes shall be guided by 
the following: 
(a) 
Mining operations shall be undertaken with due consideration to the 
utilization, development, and protection of land and other physical 
resources; 
(b) 
Small-scale mining shall be allowed provided that safeguards are instituted 
to prevent environmental degradation of the mining sites and adjacent 
areas; and, 
(c) 
Mineral reservations which had become non-operational for more, than 
five (5) years shall be placed under appropriate surface management by 
the DENR. 
SEC. 47. Reversion of Mineral Lands. - All exhausted mineral lands shall 
automatically revert to the category of forestlands, unless the DENR has otherwise 
classified such areas for other purposes. 
SEC. 48. Criteria for the Classification of Mineral Lands as Alienable and 
Disposable Lands. 
~ Exhausted mineral lands may be classified as alienable and 
disposable lands only upon the satisfaction of all of the following conditions: 
(a) 
The slope of the exhausted mineral lands shall not be above eighteen 
percent (18%); 
(b) 
The rehabilitation of exhausted mineral lands can be accelerated if such 
areas are released for other purposes; 
(c) 
The area can promote and sustain economic activities that would support 
development of settlements without incumng significant environmental 
problems. The area shall then be subject to an environmental impact 
assessment (EN), the findings of which shall serve as basis for making 
any recommendation on its classification; and 
(d) 
The land is found to be environmentally-safe from natural huards. 
30 


Article Six 
Energy Resource Lands 
SEC. 49. Guidelines for the Utilization and Allocation of Lands for Energy 
Resource Exploration, Development, Prodoction, Utilization and Distribution 
Parposes. - To ensnre that the objectives of maintaining ecological balance and 
maximizing the harnessing of power potential from indigenous energy resonrces in the 
most economical and environmentally-acceptahle means are realized, the allocation and 
utilization of lands for said purposes shall be guided by'the following,'consistent with'the' 
existing laws and DOE regulations on energy resources; 
(a) 
Indigenous energy resource exploration and development for the purpose 
of a National Energy Resource Inventory and Data Base as well as Energy 
Resource Block Map shall be allowed subject to the implementation of 
complementary watershed management plans; 
(b) 
Indigenous energy resource exploration, development, production, 
utilization and distribution shall be siibject to the appropriate reqnirements 
and process of the Philippine EIS System. Each project shall secure an 
Environmental 
Compliance 
Certificate (ECC) 
prior 
to 
project 
implementation to ensure adequate and appropriate environmental 
management measures and optimum methods for resource access and 
recovery utilized. 
Energy resenrations or portions thereof which have been established to he 
non-economically viable to operate or are no longer used for energy 
purposes shall be released to give way to other land uses subject to 
existing laws covering energy reservations. 
(b) 
SEC. 50. Reversion of Energy Resource Lands. - All exhausted indigenous 
energy resource lands not covered by proclamations shall automatically revert to the 
category of forestlands or agricultural lands, whichever is appropriate, unless the D E W  
and/or the DAR respectively classify such areas for other purposes. 
SEC. 51. Energy Resource Exploration as a Temporary Land Use. - 
Premature conversion of agricultural lands as defined in this Act shall exclude use of the 
land for energy resource exploration, which is a temporary use of the land, it being a 
necessary activity for the confirmation of the energy resource: Provided, however, That 
conversion of the land to a permanent land use shall proceed once the energy resource is 
confirmed for production and prior to commercial development: Provided, further, That 
.. . 
31 


the LWA shall set a lime limit on such exploration as a temporary land use, taking into 
account the different factors aflecting exploration. 
Article Seven 
Settlements Development 
SEC. 52. Town, City, and Setllements Development. - The development of 
town, city and settlements through the zoning ordinances (ZOs) of cities and 
municipalities shall be guided by urban zoning standards designed to maximize existing 
urban spaces and reasonably restrain urban expansion to be formulated by the LUPA and 
included in guidelines and standards to be issued under Sections 5 and 9 hereof. 
.
.
 
SEC. 53. Settlements with Geo-hazard Areas. - Settlements within gee-hazard 
areas may be allowed provided that mitigating and/or protective measures are adopted to 
address the potential danger or risk to lives and properly within such settlements, In 
coordination with the concerned agencies of the government, the L W A  shall provide 
assistance to concerned LGUs and settlers io instituting safely and corrective measures to 
address the potential danger or risk. 
SDC. 54. Protection of Ecological Harmony. - To ensure the ecological 
hamiony of towns, cities, and settlements, certain projects which will alter the present use 
of a zoned area shall be issued a building permit, business permit, and/or development 
permit, as the case may be. 
The identification of these projects shall be done in 
coordination with the concerned LGUs. 
SEC. 55. Designation of Waste Disposal Site. - Each city or municipality shall 
identify, designate and allocate land within their territorial jnrisdiction to serve as waste 
disposal site within one (1) year fkom the effectivity of this Act. The LGUs, in 
coordination with the DENR and/or competent authority, shall identify solid waste 
disposal sites in order to fast track the conduct of environmental impact assessment (HA) 
study and to facilitate processing of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC). This 
site or area shall be identified in the city's/miinicipality's CLUP and 20. For Uiis purpose, 
cities and municipalities shall establish their solid waste management prourn. Likewise, 
as provided for under Section 33 of R.A. No. 7160, cities and municipalities may, 
tlirough appropriate ordinances, bind themselves towards the establislnneut of a common 
solid waste management program. 
32 


Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DENR, in 
coordination with concerned agencies, shall promulgate the necessary gnidelines and 
standards for the formulation and establishment of solid waste management program by 
cities and municipalities, and shall subniit the same to the LUPA for review and approval. 
SEC. 56. Designation of Socialized IXousing Sites in Urban and Urbanizing 
Areas. ~ Each city or municipality in urban and urbanizing areas shall identify, designate 
and allocate land within their territorial jurisdiction to ensure the availability of adequate 
land to meet the shelter needs of poor residenls in their respective city or municipality or 
lo he used as sites for socialized housing pursuant to Article IV of UDIfi. 
Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the LUPA, in 
coordination with the concerned agencies, and pursuant to existing laws, mles and 
regulations, shall promulgate the necessary guidelines for the identification and 
designation of socialized housing sites. All cities and municipalities in urban and 
urbanizing areas shall identify and designate their socialized housing sites within six (6) 
months from the effectivity of this Act and must suhmit the list of thesc sites and their 
respective hectarage to the HUDCC. 
SEC. 57. Zonifieation of Identified Sites for Socialized Housing. - These 
socialized housing sites shall be identified and designated as socialized housing zones in 
the city's/municipality's CLUP and shall be established tbrougli appropriate and approved 
zoning ordinances. The current zoning ordinances of the LGUs shall be reviewed and 
revised to include these socialized housing zones. These sites shall be used exclusively 
for housing that qualifies as socialized housing under the UDHA. 
SEC. 58. Valuation of lands for Socialized Housing. - Equitable land valuation 
guidelines for socialized housing shall be set by the Department of Finance on the basis 
of the market value reflected in the zonal valuation, or in its absence, on the latest real 
property tax declaration. For sites already occupied by qualified beneficiaries under the 
UDHA and sites identified as Socialized Housing Zones as defined in this Act, the 
Department of Finance shall factor into the valuation, the blighted status of the land as 
certified by the LGUs or the National Housing Authority. 
SBC. $9. Urban Forest or Green. Space. - Each city or highly urbanizing 
municipality shall identify, designate, and allocate lands owned by the city or 
municipality as urban forest or green space, based on the guidelines and standards to be 
issued by the DENR and approved by the LUPA. 
33 


Article Eight 
Industrial Development Areas 
SEC. GO. Designatiou of Industrial Areas. - The identification and establishment 
of industrial development areas shall conform with the provisions of R.A. No. 7916, 
othelwise lcnown as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Law, R.A. No, 
7279, or the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA), and Section 33 hereof, 
taking into consideration the following: 
Identified network of areas for agricultural development and protected 
agricultural areas pursuant to Section 33 hereof; 
National policies on the regional dispersal of industries and agi-based 
industrial development; 
Identified growth areas and comdors in theiialional Development Plan, 
National Integrated Protection Area Systems and other protected areas; 
National Urban Development Framework; 
Identified Socialized Housing Zones; 
National Settlements Development Plan; and, 
National Infrastrnctnre Development Plan. 
.
I
 
The designated industrial development areas shall become an integral part of lhe 
land use plan and zoning ordinance of the city or municipality where these areas are 
located. 
Article Nine 
Tourism Development Areas 
SEC. 61. Designation of Tourism Development Areas. - The identification, 
selection and development of tourism development areas shall be done in consultation 
and coordination with the concerned LGUs, national government agencies, the private 
sector, and the affected communities. Consistent with Sections 33 and 34 hereof,' these 
areas shall likewise include those covered by legislation and executive issuances which 
designate specific sites as tourist spots and tourist zones, as well as those identified in the 
national and regional tourism master plans. 
Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites shall be included in these areas so as to 
promote their protection, preservation and development for tourism pnrposes and related 
activities. 
34 


Designated areas for tourism development shall become part of the CLUPs and 
20s of the cities or municipalities where these are located. 
Article Ten 
Infrastructure Development 
SEC. 62. Allocation and Use of Land for Infrastructure Development. - Land, 
whether public or private, shall be allocated and utilized for priority infrastrncttire 
projects that are supportive of national or local development objectives. The National 
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), in consultation with the Concerned 
NGAs, LGUs and the private sector shall identify and periodically review, update andlor 
revise the list of priority infrastructure projects. In determining and evaluating the list of 
priority infrastructure projects, consideration shall he given to those that: 
(a) 
Respond to immediate and vital requirements of the national economy 
with priority on food security and self-sufficiency concerns; 
Upgrade existing facilities to international standards; 
Address the need for sustainable settlements development; and, 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Help mitigate the destructive effects of natural disaster-causing 
phenomena or those that shall serve as alternatives to existing 
infrastructures f o n d  in natural hazard-prone areas. 
Provided, That the provision and implementation of infrastructure support shall be 
made compatible ' with existing' environmental condiilons and the 'physical, whether 
natural or man-made, and cultural character of the area. Mandatory public 
hearings/consultations shall be held prior to the conduct of all infrastnicture projects that 
will necessarily involve dislocation or displacement of people living in the area: 
Provided, further, That the concerned NGA that will implement the infrastructure 
projects in areas occupied by the urban poor and in identified socialized housing zones 
shall follow the rules on mandatory consultation as provided for in RA 7160, as well as 
the rules on just and humane demolitions or eviction under Section 20 of UDHA and said 
NGA shall submit a report complying with the aforementioned provisions to the 
concerned LGU prior to project implementation. 
., . 
SEC. 63. Infrastmctnre Projects Within Environmentally-Critical Areas. - 
Construction of priority infrastructure projects within protected, hazard-prone, or 
eiivironmentally critical areas shall be allowed provided that mitigating and/or preventive 
measures are adopted to address the potential adverse economic, socio-cultural and 
35 


measures, are adopted to address the potential adverse economic, socio-cultural and 
environmental impacts that will emanate fiom these infrastructure projects subject to the 
findings and recommendations of a feasibility study and an environment+l impact 
assessment in accordance with P.D. Nos. 1586 and 4846. 
.. . 
, 
Existing infrastructures found to be improperly located as well as those posing 
threats to the environmental integrity of historic, archeologic, or scientifically significant 
areas, or impinging on critical ecosystems may be terminated immediately, or gradually 
phased ont and relocated, or maintained up to their life span, subject however to 
mitigating measures: Provided, That the concerned NGA that will implement the 
Infrastructure projects in socialized housing zones are mandated to follow the rules on 
mandatory consultation as provided for in R.A. No. 7160, as well as the rules on just and 
humane demolitions or eviction under Section 20 of UD": Provided, further, That said 
NGA shall submit a report complying with the aforementioned provisions to the 
concerned LGU prior to project implementation. 
The DPWH, DOE, DOTC, in coordination with the concerned NGA, the LGUs 
and the private sector shall identify and assess ali major infrastnicture projects in 
environmeiirally-critical areas and submit their recommendations to the LLPA within six 
(6) months from the effectivity of this Act. 
Article Eleven 
Training, Education, and Value Formation 
SEC. 64. Mandatory Curriculum. 
~ 
In order to create a well infomied, 
responsive and committed citizenry who value the protection, conservation and 
development of the country's limited land and other physical resources, the State shall 
mandate the inclusion of sustainable land use education, or any subject related thereto in 
the curricula of primary, secondary and tertiary education. 
SEC. 65. Information and Education Campaign. - The LWA sliall coordinate 
a nationwide education information campaign in land use and physical planning to be 
implemented by local and national government agencies. The DILG and concerned 
agencies shall formulaic and implement a land use management capability-building 
program for national and local government officials, community leaders, NGOs, POs, 
religious sector, and the general public. 
36 


CHAPTER V 
INCENTIVES, SANCTIONS, AND PENALTIES 
Article One 
Incentives and Awards 
SEC. 66. Formnlatiou of a System of Incentives and Awards. - The LUPA 
shall come out with a system of incentives and awards to LGUs that regnlarly update 
their CLuPs/ZOs within the prescribed period as follows: 
(a) 
Provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities . 
once every ten (IO) years or less; and 
(h) 
Component cities and municipalities - once every five (5) years or less 
SEC. 67. Priority in Giving Technical Assistance to LGUs. - In providing 
technical assistance and othex forms of support related to land use management and 
implementation of development plans, national government agencies (NGAs) shall give 
priority to cities and municipalities with approved CLUPs and 20s. 
SEC.!%!?. 
bbntives for Volrrntary Transfer. - Subject to existing laws and 
ordinances, the LUPA, in coordination with the Board of Investments, shall provide for 
incentives to affected industries that, within a specified period, would voluntarily transfer 
to identified Industrial Development Areas. 
Article Two 
Sanctions and Penalties 
SEC. 69. Fine on Non-Completion and Non-Commencement of Development 
of Agricultiiral Lauds with Approved Order of Conversion. - Any landowner and/or 
hidher designated developer 01: duly authorized representative who. fails to corrhnence 
and/or complete the development of agricultural lands with approved order of 
conversation shall be penalized, jointly or severally, with auy of the following fines based 
on the zonal value of the land at the time the fine is imposed: 
(a) 
On failure to commence within one year from the date of conversion 
order: 
37 


(1) 
Six percent (6%) of the zonal value of the subject land for the first 
three (3) hectares, 
Fifteen percent (15%) ofthe zonal value ofthe subject land for the 
next three (3) hectares, and 
Thirty percent (30%) of the zonal value of the subject land for the 
remaining area 
(2) 
(3) 
Provided, That in such case, the order o f  conversion shall be deemed revoked 
automatically and tho land shall ievert back to its original agricdtural use aid shall be 
covered by the DAR through compulsory acquisition for distribution to qualified 
beneficiaries. 
(b) 
On failure to complete fifty percent (50%) of the approved conversion 
plan within a specified time frame, the DAR shall impose a tine equivalent 
to fiRy percent (50%) of the zonal value o f  the subject land and shall 
automatically issue an order revoking the conversion plan on the 
undeveloped portion which shall automatically revert to its original use as 
agricultwal land. The same shall be covered, under the CARP and 
processed for land distribution as soon as possible. 
SEC. 70. Anthority to Inipose Fine. - The DAR shall impose the penalty 
imposed under the preceding section. 
SEC. 71. Witlidrawal of Local Development Permits andlor Licenses. - Upon 
receipt of notice from the DAR, the concerned agencies, city or municipality shall 
withdraw and/or revoke ‘my development permit and/or oilier licenses that may be 
necessary to develop the agricultural land subject of conversion. 
SEC. 72. Utilization of Fines. - The fines collected under Section 70 hereof shall 
automatically acclue to the Agrarian Reform Fund consistent with the provisions of R.A. 
Act No. 6657, olhenvise lmown as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. 
SEC. 73. Failure to Pormulate, Enforce, and/or Implement the CLUPs and 
20s. - Consistent with due process, the LUPA in coordination with the DILG shall 
investigate, review and recommend the filing o f  charges against local chief executives 
and other local officials and employees responsible for the formnlation, enforcement, 
and/or implementation of the CLuPs in case of any of the following: 
.. . 
, 
38 


(a) 
Failure to implement and enforce the CLUP/ZO due lo negligence ofduty; 
(b) 
Failure to provide appropriate budgetary allocation to effect its 
implementation; 
Failure to complete the preparation of the CLUE' despite the availability of 
funds, resources, and support by the Sanggunian concerned; and, 
Failure of the CLUPs/ZOs to conform to the prescribed national guidelines 
and standards as provided for in Section 5 hereof aud thereafter, vlith 
NPFP RS stated in Section 9 hereof; 
(cj 
(dj 
Any public official or employee, regardless of whether or not elected or appointed 
or holding office or employment in a casual, temporary, holdover, permanent or regular 
capacity, fomid to be responsible to any of the foregoing acts, after due notice and 
hearing by the appropriate bodyor agency, shall be punished with forfeiture of salaries 
and allowances and suspension from: 
.. . 
, 
(a) 
(b) 
Six (6) to nine (9) months, in case of non-implementation of the CLUP; or 
Three (3) to six (6) months, in case of non-completion of the CLUE'. 
SEC. 74. Prematwe or Illegal Conversiou. - Paragraph 2, Section 11 of R.A. 
No. 8435, is hereby amended and shall read as follows: 
"Any person found guilty of premature or illegal conversion as 
defined in this Act shall be penalized with imprisonment of seven (7) to 
twelve (12) years, or a fine equivalent to fifiy percent (50%) of the market 
value of the subject land, or both, at the discretion of the court and 
accessory penalty of forfeiture of the land and any improvement thereon: 
Provided, that if the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall he 
imposed on the responsible officers thereof." 
In addition, the DAR may impose the following penalties, afier determining, in an 
administrative proceeding, that violation of this Act has been committed: 
(a) 
Cancellation or withdrawal of the authorization for land use conversion; 
and, 
Blacklisting or automatic disapproval ofpending or subsequent conversion 
applications that they may file with the DAR. : 
(b) 
39 


SEC. 75. Person@) Abetting Illegal Conversion. - Any person initiating, causing, 
inducing, or abetting illegal conversion shall, upon conviction, be penalized with imprisonment of 
seven (7) to twelve (12) years and a fine of not less than one hundred thousand pesos 
(PlOO,OOO.OO), or both, at the discretion of the court: Provided, That if the offender is a public 
official or employee, the penalty shall, in addition thereto, includes perpetnal disqualification and 
forfeiture of all hislher benefits and entitlements accruing to hisher public position. 
SEC. 76. Imposition of Penalty for Reclassification of Protected Agricultural Lands. 
~ Any person initiating, causing, inducing, or abetting the reclassification of protected agricultural 
areas as defined in Section 33 hereof into non-agricultural uses shall be penalized with 
imprisonment of seven (7) to twelve (12) years and a fine of not less than one hundred thousand 
pesos (PlO0,OOO.OO) pesos, or both, at the discretion ofthe court: Provided, That if the offender is 
a public official or employee, the penalty shall, in addition thereto, include perpetual 
disqualification and forfeiture of all hisher benefits and entitlements accruing to hidher public 
position; Provided, further, That .if .the, offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall be 
imposed on the responsible officers thereof. 
CHAPTER VI 
MISCELLANEOUS, TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS 
Article One 
Mandatory Review 
SEC. 77. Mandatory Review Every Seven Years. - Congress shall undertake a 
mandatory review of this Act at least once every seven (7) years from the date of effectivity, or as 
often as it may deem necessary to ensure that land use policies and guidelines remain responsive 
to changing circumstances. For this purpose, Congress may call on the LUPA to undertake the 
necessary researches, consultations and public hearings. 
Article Two 
Transitory Provisions 
SEC. 78. Convening of the LUPA. -Within thirty (30) days after the effectivity of this 
Act, the Executive Secretary as Chairman shall convene the LUPA. The Deputy Director General 
for Land Use of NEDA and the Chief Executive Officer of the HLURB 


shall sit temporarily as ex-officio members of the LUPA Executive Board until such time 
that a regular Administrator shall have been appointed by the President. 
SEC. 79. Preparation of Implementing Rules and Regulations and Other 
Immediate Tasks. 
~ Within one hundred tv/enly (120) days from the effectivity of this 
Act, the LUPA, in coordination with the Senate and House Committees on Natural 
Resources, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Housing and Urban Development, Rural 
Development, National Cultural Communities, Appropriations and Ways and Means, 
shall undertslce the preparation of the implementing d e s  and regulations of this Act with 
mandatory consultations with social development NGOs and POs and the private sector. 
Within the same period, the LUPA shall also review existing rules and regulations 
on land use, and bases, therefrom, revise such rules and regulations, or cause concerned 
agencies to revise them for the efficient and effective implementation of the provisions of 
this Act. All concerned national government agencies and bodies shall inform the LUPA 
of the status of the implementation of such rules and regulations. 
The LUPA shall likewise undertake the organization of its units and create special 
task forces and committees to assist it in its undertakings. 
Within one ( 1 )  year from the effectivity of this Act, the L W A  shall review and 
revise, if appropriate, all existing national planning guidelines and standards to facilitate 
the exercise of land use planning and zoning functions of local government units. .. . . 
All existing rules and regulations shall he in force and effect unless revoked by 
the LUPA or other competent authorities. 
SEC. 80. Effectivity of the Creation of LUPA. - Until such time that the LUPA 
shall have been organized and filly operational, the NLUC, HLURB, and other agencies 
performing functions related to land use shall continue exercising such powers and 
functions and their personnel shall receive the same salary, emoluments and privileges. 
Hiring, separation, replacement and appointment of personnel shall be in accordance with 
existing Civil Senrice d e s  and regulations: Provided, however, That in filling up the 
personnel requirements of the LUPA, preferential consideration shall be given to existing 
officers and employees of the NLUC, KLURFi and the other agencies referred to above, 
who will be displaced: Provided, further, That they possess the appropriate and necessary 
skills and eligibility and meet the qualification standards for the positions. 
SEC. 81. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of 
this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its 
enactment into law and thereafier. 
41 


In case such amount is insufficient, the LUPA may request for augmentation of 
hnds .:r')m the Depaiment of Budget and Management @BM). Thereafter, the LUPA 
sliall be included in the General Appropriations for the next year. 
Congress shall appropriate an amount to the DENR necessary for it to conduct the 
classification and demarcation activities needed in the final invedtory of all lands as 
provided herein. 
SEC. 82. Review of Existing Land Use Plans. - Provinces, cities and 
municipalities with existing land use plans shall review, revise, reconcile and harmonize 
@e same with the guidelines and standards set forth under this Act. 
Article Three 
Final Provisions 
SEC. 83. Repealing Clanse. . Section 9 of Republic Act No. 8435 and all other 
laws and administrative issuances are hereby modified by Section 33 hereof All other 
general and special laws, acts, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, administrative 
rules and regulations, or part thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly 
SEC. 84. Non-impairment Clause. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to 
diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, @anted, or available to marginalized or 
basic sectors under existing laws including but not limited to R.A: Nos, 7279;'6657,' 
8371, and 85.50. 
SEC. 8s. Separability Clause. - If for any rexson any section or provision of this 
Act, or any porlion thereof, or the application of such section, provision or portion to any 
person, groiip or circumstances is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of 
this Act or the application of such section, provision or portion thereof to other persons, 
goups or circumstances shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SEC. 86. Effectivity. - This Act shall lake effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved- 
42