1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
1st Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________ 
Introduced by Representatives PAOLO Z. DUTERTE, ERIC G. YAP, 
EDVIC G. YAP, and JEFFREY SORIANO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Land use plans and management play a significant role in safeguarding food security 
and overall sustainable prosperity. Its efficient allocation and administration 
cultivates the development and protection of the environment, public health, 
economic affairs, and social justice. Given the the country's approximate land area of 
300,000 square kilometers, there is a need for a comprehensive and responsive 
national land use policy to address the impact of deforestation and urbanization on 
food, housing, business, health, and environment. 
Thus, this bill seeks to institute a National Land Use Policy which shall end the current 
degradation of the country's land resource, and optimize balanced development. It 
shall harmonize and consolidate existing laws governing the allocation, utilization, 
development, and management of land resources, thus creating the National Land 
Use Policy Council as the highest policymaking body in all matters pertaining to land 
use and management.  
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
PAOLO Z. DUTERTE 
ERIC G. YAP 
        EDVIC G. YAP 
           JEFFREY SORIANO 
August 23, 2022
12:00 pm
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1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
1st Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________ 
Introduced by Representatives PAOLO Z. DUTERTE, ERIC G. YAP, 
EDVIC G. YAP, and JEFFREY SORIANO 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL LAND USE POLICY, PROVIDING THE 
IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Land Use 
Act of the Philippines."  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and 
advance the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology through 
the rational allocation, utilization, development and management of the country’s 
land and resources therein that is consistent with the principles of sustainable 
development and inclusive growth. 
Toward this end, the State shall institutionalize land use and physical planning 
as a mechanism for identifying and evaluating alternative land use patterns that 
promote and ensure: 
a. Settlements, transportation and other infrastructure development in
support of global urban competitiveness and inclusive growth;
b. Improved access to affordable, livable and resilient housing through
various means such as by increasing land supply through direct land
allocation and land banking, better access to unutilized lands, including
unutilized government-owned lands, and promotion of multiple uses and
higher densities, where appropriate;
c.
Energy security and energy resiliency;
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d. Protection of prime agricultural lands, i.e., Strategic Agricultural and
Fisheries Development Zones (SAFDZ), for food security in rice and corn
and other basic food commodities;
e. Protection of water resources, including critical watersheds and watershed
reservations, in support of water and food security;
f.
Protection and proper utilization and management of the country’s natural
resources;
g. Protection and conservation of the country’s natural heritage and
biodiversity;
h. Protection and preservation of Filipino historical and cultural heritage;
i.
Integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change
Adaptation (CCA) in land use and physical planning;
j.
Market orientation within the framework of intergenerational factors in
achieving efficiency in land use allocation;
k. Public-Private Partnership where government provides the appropriate
policy, legal and institutional framework to guide the private sector’s use
of land;
l.
Equitable access of basic sectors to the country’s land by regulating land
valuation to prevent land pricing speculation;
m. Respect for and recognition and protection of the rights of the Indigenous
Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) to their ancestral
domains, compliance with Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of
ICCs/IPs as well as recognition of customary laws and sustainable
traditional resource use and management, indigenous knowledge systems,
and practices in ancestral domains; and
n. Community participation in the management and protection of land
resources.
It is also the policy of the State to ensure that local government units (LGUs) 
share with the national government the responsibility of managing and maintaining 
ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction as stated in the Constitution and 
Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the 1991 Local Government Code (LGC). 
Further, it is the policy of the State to encourage landowners to develop and 
conserve their lands and make them productive and supportive of sustainable 
development and environmental stability guided by the principle that the use of land 
bears a social function and that all economic agents shall contribute to the common 
good. 


 
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SEC. 3. Scope. - This Act shall apply to all lands, whether public, private, 
government-owned, and/or in the possession of individuals, communities, 
indigenous peoples, or private groups, including corporations, and shall guide and 
govern the use, allocation, and management of land, including such activities that bear 
impact on said resources. 
 
 
CHAPTER II 
DEFINITIONS 
 
SEC. 4. Definitions. - As used in and for purposes of this Act, the following 
terms shall mean: 
 
a. “Adaptation” refers to the adjustment in natural or human systems in 
response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which 
moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities; 
 
b. “Agricultural land” refers to lands devoted to or suitable for the cultivation 
of the soil, planting of crops, growing of fruit trees, raising of livestock, 
poultry, fish or aqua-culture production, including the harvesting of such 
farm products, and other farm activities and practices performed in 
conjunction with such farming operations done by persons whether natural 
or juridical and not classified by law as national parks, mineral land, forest 
land, residential land, commercial land, or industrial land; 
 
c. “Agricultural land use conversion” refers to the undertaking of any 
development activity which modifies or alters the physical characteristics 
of agricultural lands to render them suitable for specific non-agricultural 
use as indicated in the approved order of conversion issued exclusively by 
the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); 
 
d. “Agricultural land reclassification” refers to the act of specifying how 
agricultural lands shall be utilized for non-agricultural uses such as 
residential, industrial, commercial, as embodied in the land use plan, 
subject to the requirements and procedure for land use conversion, 
undertaken by the Local Government Unit (LGU) in accordance with 
Section 20 of RA No. 7160; 
 
e. “Alienable and disposable lands” refer to lands of the public domain which 
have been delineated, classified, and certified as such and are available for 
disposition under Commonwealth Act No.141, otherwise known as the 
"Public Land Act." as amended. No land of the public domain eighteen 
percent (18%) in slope or over shall be classified as alienable and disposable 
lands, subject to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 705, otherwise 
known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines; 
 


 
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f. “Ancestral domains” refer to all areas generally belonging to ICCs/IPs as 
defined in RA 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act 
(IPRA) of 1997; 
 
g. “Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan 
(ADSDPP)” refers to a plan formulated and pursued in accordance with the 
rights of ICCs/IPs to manage and develop the land as well as natural and 
human resources within their ancestral domains based on their indigenous 
knowledge systems and practices on the principle of self-determination and 
self-governance; 
 
h. “Biodiversity” refers to the variability among living organisms from all 
sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the 
ecological complexes of which they are part. This includes diversity within 
species and of ecosystems; 
 
i. “Coastal Area/Zone” refers to a band of dry land and the adjacent ocean 
space (water and submerged land) in which terrestrial processes and uses 
directly affect oceanic processes and uses, and vice versa. Its geographic 
extent may include areas within a landmark limit of one (1) kilometer from 
the shoreline at high tide to include mangrove swamps, brackish water 
ponds, nipa swamps, estuarine rivers, sandy beaches and other areas within 
a seaward limit of 200 meters isobath to include coral reefs, algal flats, 
seagrass beds, and other soft-bottom areas. For purposes of initiating and 
implementing sustainable coastal resources protection and management, it 
shall include foreshore lands; 
 
j. “Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP)” refers to the document 
formulated by the local government in consultation with its stakeholders, 
that defines or provides guidelines on the allocation, utilization, 
development and management of all lands, within a given territory or 
jurisdiction, including municipal waters, according to the inherent qualities 
of the land itself and supportive economic, demographic, socio-cultural and 
environmental objectives; 
 
k. “Climate Change" refers to a change in climate that can be identified by 
changes in the mean and/or variability of its properties and that persists for 
an extended period typically decades or longer, whether due to natural 
variability or as a result of human activity; 
 
l. “Climate change adaptation" refers to the adjustment in natural or human 
systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, 
which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities; 
 
m. “Critical watershed" refers to a drainage area of a river system supporting 
existing and proposed hydroelectric power, domestic water consumption, 
and irrigation works needing immediate rehabilitation as it is being 


 
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subjected to fast denudation causing accelerated erosion and destructive 
floods; 
 
n. “Cultural heritage" refers to the totality of cultural properties preserved 
and developed through time and passed on for posterity; 
 
o. “Development plan" refers to a document that defines the activities or 
measures that the national government or LGUs intend to implement in 
order to achieve a defined set of development goals. It integrates the 
socioeconomic and sectoral plans of the national government or its 
instrumentality 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 mechanism which defines the 
roles and contributions expected from the government and the private 
sector. 
Development 
plans 
include 
the 
national-level 
Philippine 
Development Plan (PDP) and its counterpart plans at the regional, 
provincial and local levels called the Regional Development Plan (RDP), the 
Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) and the 
Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). These plans are translated into 
medium-term investment programs, also prepared at the national, regional 
and local levels, where programs, projects and activities derived from the 
development plans are ranked, prioritized, and matched with investment 
financing capacities; 
 
p. “Disaster risk reduction" refers to the concept and practice of reducing 
disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal 
factors of disasters, including through reduced exposure to hazards, 
lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land 
and the environment, and improved preparedness for adverse events; 
 
q. “Ecologically-fragile lands" refer to lands within the critical watershed, 
brackish and freshwater wetlands, pasture lands, and croplands which 
require rehabilitation and whose continued unsustainable use would lead 
to land degradation and adversely affect the productivity of lowland 
agricultural areas and the stability of the upland system; 
 
r. “Energy resource lands" refer to lands where naturally occurring or 
indigenous energy resources exist; 
 
s. “Energy resources" refer to surface or subsurface substances that serve as 
energy sources. These are traditionally mineral fuel deposits such as coal, 
petroleum, natural gas or renewable energy resources such as biomass, 
geothermal, solar, hydro, ocean, wind and other similar resources which 
serve the same purpose; 
 
t. “Environmentally-critical areas" refer to areas that are exposed to hazards, 
perform 
vital 
environmental 
service 
functions, 
historically 
and 


 
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archaeologically important, ecologically unique, socio-culturally important, 
habitat of endangered or threatened species where such areas need to be 
protected, conserved and monitored; 
 
u. “Exhausted mineral resources" refer to a situation where the mineral 
resources in specific sites are no longer in sufficient quantity to justify 
additional expenditure for extraction or utilization; 
 
v. “Food security" refers to the policy objective of meeting the food 
availability, accessibility, and affordability requirements of the present and 
future generations of Filipinos in a sustainable manner, through local 
production or importation, only when there is shortage established based 
on a micro level situation, or both, based on the country's existing and 
potential resource endowments and related production advantages, and 
consistent with the overall national development objectives and policies;  
 
w. “Flood plain" refers to portion of river valley adjacent to river channel 
which is covered with water when river overflows its banks at flood stages; 
the plain usually consists of silt deposited by the stream; 
 
x. “Flood-prone areas" refer to low lying areas usually adjacent to large or 
active water bodies and therefore experience regular or seasonal inundation 
as a result of changes in the mean water level of these bodies or because of 
artificial interference with the natural processes; 
 
y. “Forest lands" refer to lands of the public domain which have been 
classified and declared as such and all unclassified lands of the public 
domain; 
 
z. “Foreshore land" refers to a string of land margining a body of water; the 
part of a seashore between the low-water line usually at the seaward margin 
of a low tide terrace and the upper limit of wave wash at high tide usually 
marked by a beach scarp or berm; 
 
aa. “Free, Prior and Informed Consent" refers to consensus of all members of 
the ICCs/IPs to be determined in accordance with their respective 
customary laws and practices, free from any external manipulation, 
interference and coercion, and obtained after fully disclosing the intent and 
scope of the activity, in a language and process understandable to the 
community; 
 
bb.  “Geo-hazards" refer to geological processes/phenomenon that may cause 
loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of 
livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption or environmental 
damage. This includes internal earth processes such as earthquakes and 
volcanic activities. and geophysical processes like mass movements, 
landslides, surface collapses, debris, and mud flow; 
 


 
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cc. “Hazard-prone areas" refer to areas frequently visited and/or vulnerable 
or prone to experience weather/climatic, hydrologic, geologic, and other 
natural calamities; 
 
dd. “Heritage Zones" refer to historical, anthropological, archaeological and 
artistic geographical areas and settings that are culturally significant to the 
country as declared by the National Museum and/or National Historical 
Institute. pursuant to RA 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 
2009; 
 
ee. “Human Settlements" comprise of (i) physical components of shelter and 
infrastructure: and (ii) services to which the physical elements provide 
support, such as community services which include education, health, 
culture, welfare, recreation and nutrition; 
 
ff. “Idle or Abandoned Land" refers to any agricultural land not cultivated, 
tilled or developed to produce any crop nor devoted to any specific 
economic purpose continuously for a period of three (3) years immediately 
prior to the receipt of notice of acquisition by the government as provided 
under RA 6657 or Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) as 
amended by RA 9700, but does not include land that has become 
permanently or regularly devoted to non-agricultural purposes. It does not 
include land which has become unproductive by reason of force majeure or 
any other fortuitous event, provided that prior to such event, such land was 
previously used for agricultural or other economic purpose; 
 
gg. “Illegal conversion" refers to conversion of agricultural land by its 
landowner, or persons acting on the landowner's behalf, into any non-
agricultural use without filing an application for reclassification and 
conversion with the DAR; 
 
hh. “Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs)" refers 
to groups of people or homogenous societies identified under RA 8371 or 
the IPRA; 
 
ii. “Inclusive growth" refers to ensuring that the economic opportunities 
created by growth are available to all, particularly the poor, to the 
maximum possible extent;  
 
jj. “Integrated watershed management" refers to a planning strategy or 
program for watershed areas that complement environmentally-sound soil 
and water and other natural resources management practices with 
mechanisms for ensuring greater responsibility, involvement, or 
participation of individuals, groups, communities and other stakeholders 
benefiting from these areas and water-related infrastructure; 
 
kk. “Land" refers to a solid surface of the earth that is not permanently covered 
by water. The vast majority of human activity throughout history has 


 
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occurred in land areas that support agriculture, habitat and various natural 
resources; 
 
ll. “Land banking" refers to the acquisition of land at values based on existing 
use in advance of actual need to promote planned development and 
socialized housing programs; 
 
mm. “Land degradation" refers to the reduction or loss of the biological or 
economic productivity and complexity of rain-fed cropland, irrigated 
cropland, or range, pasture, forest and woodlands resulting from land uses 
or from a process or combination of processes, including processes arising 
from human activities and habitation pattern; 
 
nn. “Land use" refers to the manner of utilization of land, including its 
allocation, development, and management; 
 
oo. “Mandatory consultations" refer to the mechanism to ensure the 
involvement of affected sectors and other stakeholders in land use planning 
from the local to the national level. It involves giving notice of 
hearing/consultation to affected sectors and other stakeholders through 
publication or posting in conspicuous places, conduct of a reasonable 
number of hearings, and solicitation of positions and the public 
presentation and validation of the planning results before the final adoption 
of the plans; 
 
pp. “Mangroves" refer to a community of intertidal plants including all species 
of trees, shrubs, vines and herbs found on coasts, swamps, or border of 
swamps; 
 
qq. “Marine Protected Area" refers to a defined area of the sea established and 
set aside by law, administrative regulation, or any other effective means, in 
order to conserve and protect a part of or the entire enclosed environment, 
through the establishment of management guidelines. It is a generic term 
that includes all declared areas governed by specific rules or guidelines in 
order to protect and manage activities within the enclosed area; 
 
rr. “Mineral exploration" refers to the systematic searching or prospecting for 
mineral resources, excluding energy resources;  
 
ss. “Mineral lands" refer to lands where mineral, excluding energy resources, 
are found in sufficient quantity and quality that would allow economically 
viable exploitation and utilization; 
 
tt. “Multiple use of land" refers to the utilization or management strategy for 
specific lands which allows any activity thereat, depending on the result of 
prior evaluation on its numerous beneficial uses and in accordance with 
priorities in land use allocation and planning, that will produce the 
optimum benefits to the development and progress of the area and to the 


 
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public welfare without impairment or with the least injury to its other 
resources; 
 
uu. “National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)" refers to the 
classification and administration of all designated protected areas to 
maintain essential ecological processes and life-support systems, to 
preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found 
therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest extent 
possible; 
 
vv. “National Park” refers to a land and water reservation essentially of natural 
wilderness character which has been withdrawn from settlement, 
occupancy or any form of exploitation except in conformity with approved 
management plan and set aside as such exclusively to conserve the area or 
preserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, wild animals and plants 
therein and to provide enjoyment of these features in such areas. It also 
refers to lands of public domain classified as such in the 1987 Constitution 
which include all areas under the NIPAS pursuant to RA 7586 or the 
National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 as amended by RA 
11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 
2018, primarily designated for the conservation of native plants and animals 
and associated habitats and cultural diversity; 
 
ww. 
“Network of Protected Areas for Agriculture and Agro-industrial 
Development (NPAAAD)" refers to agricultural areas identified by the 
Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Soils and Water 
Management (BSWM) in coordination with the National Mapping and 
Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) in order to ensure the efficient 
utilization of land for agriculture and agro-industrial development and 
promote sustainable growth. The NPAAAD covers all irrigated areas, all 
irrigable lands already covered by irrigation projects with firm funding 
commitments; all alluvial plain land highly suitable for agriculture whether 
irrigated or not; agro-industrial croplands or lands presently planted to 
industrial crops that support the viability of existing agricultural 
infrastructure and agro-based enterprises, highlands, or areas located at an 
elevation of 500 meters or above and have the potential for growing semi-
temperate and high-value crops; all agricultural lands that are ecologically 
fragile, the conversion of which will result in serious environmental 
degradation, and mangrove areas and fish sanctuaries; 
 
xx. “On-site development" refers to the process of upgrading and rehabilitation 
of bighted and slum urban areas with a view of minimizing displacement 
of dwellers in said areas, and with provisions for basic services as provided 
for in RA 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA); 
 
yy. “Patrimonial properties" refer to all other property of the State, which is 
not of the character described as property of public dominion; when no 
longer intended for public use or for public service; all other property 


 
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possessed by a province, city, or municipality not classified as property for 
public use; 
 
zz. “Prime agricultural land" refers to areas that are covered by the Strategic 
Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones or SAFDZs defined in this 
Act; 
 
aaa. “Premature conversion" refers to the conversion of agricultural land by its 
landowner, or persons acting on the landowner's behalf, into any non-
agricultural use without the approval by the DAR of the landowner's 
application for reclassification and conversion; 
 
bbb. 
“Protected areas" refer to portions of land set aside by reason of their 
unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological 
diversity, and protected against destructive human exploitation. For 
purposes of this Act, it shall include agricultural lands identified and 
delineated under Section 45 of this Act; 
 
ccc. “Public domain" refers to lands that belong to the State which may be any 
of the following: agricultural, forest or timber, mineral, or national park, as 
provided for in the 1987 Constitution; 
 
ddd. “Public lands" refer to lands which have not been subject to private 
property rights or subject to sale or other modes of acquisition or 
concession under the general laws, and are devoted to public use; 
 
eee. “Resettlement areas" refer to areas identified by the appropriate national 
agency or by the LGUs with respect to areas within its jurisdiction that shall 
be used for the relocation of the underprivileged and homeless, as defined 
under RA 7279 or UDHA;  
 
fff. “River basin" refers to the horizontal projection of area from which a river 
and its tributaries receive surface water originating from precipitation; 
 
ggg. 
“Salvage zone" refers to lands measuring 20 meters measured landward 
from the interior limit of the shoreline for casement purposes; 
 
hhh. “Settlements development" refers to any improvement on existing 
formal or informal residential or housing settlements or any proposed 
development of certain areas for residential or housing settlement 
purposes. It also involves the spatial distribution of population, 
identification of the roles and functions of key urban centers, determination 
of relationships among settlement areas, and the provision of basic services 
and facilities of identified major residential or housing settlement areas or 
growth centers;  
 
iii. “Socialized housing" refers to housing programs and projects covering 
houses and lots or homelots only, or residential condominium units 


 
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undertaken by the government or the private sector for the 
underprivileged and homeless citizens which shall include sites and 
services development, long-term financing, liberalized terms on interest 
payments, and such other benefits in accordance with the UDHA; 
 
jjj. “Socialized housing zones" refer to lands identified and designed by LGUs 
as sites for socialized housing pursuant to Article IV of the UDHA and its 
implementing guidelines; 
 
kkk. 
“Subclassification of lands" refers to the act of determining and 
assigning more specific uses of lands already classified in accordance with 
the 1987 Constitution and existing laws; 
 
lll. “Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones (SAFDZ)" refers 
to the areas within the NPAAAD identified for production, agro-
processing and marketing activities to help develop and modernize, with 
the support of government, the agriculture and fisheries sectors in an 
environmentally and socio-culturally sound manner; also referred to as 
Prime Agricultural Lands; 
 
mmm. “Strict Protection Zone” pertains to the management zones of protected 
areas consisting of natural areas with high biodiversity value closed to all 
human activities except for scientific studies and/or ceremonial or 
religious use by the ICCs/IPs. It may include habitats of threatened species, 
or degraded areas that have been designated for restoration and 
subsequent protection, even if these areas are still in various stages of 
regeneration; 
 
nnn. “Sustainable development" refers to the development objective of 
meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the 
ability of future generations to meet their own needs consistent with the 
principles of social equity, efficiency, and environmental integrity; 
 
ooo. 
“Tourism Enterprise Zone" refers to an area designated as tourism 
enterprise zone by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone 
Authority pursuant to the provisions of RA 9593 otherwise known as the 
Tourism Act of 2009; 
 
ppp. “Tourist spot" refers to a particular area/site/spot, man-made or 
natural, known for its unique tourist/visitor-drawing attributes and 
activities. It may be classified according to its social, cultural, natural, 
historical, scientific, religious, and recreational significance; 
 
qqq. 
“Urban area" refers to a barangay which has a population size of 5,000 
or at least one establishment with a minimum of 100 employees, or 5 or 
more establishments with 10 to 99 employees, or five or more facilities 
within the two-kilometer radius from the barangay hall; 
 


 
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rrr. “Urban Development" refers to the process of occupation and use of land 
or space for activities such as residential, industrial, and commercial and 
the like or their combinations, necessary to carry out the functions of urban 
living. It entails the building or rebuilding of more or less permanent 
structure over land that is often withdrawn or converted from its original 
use, resulting in the creation of a built environment; 
 
sss. “Urbanizable areas" refer to sites and lands which, considering present 
characteristics and prevailing conditions, display marked and great 
potential of becoming urban areas within a period of five (5) years; 
 
ttt. “Urban green space" refers to the establishment or setting-up of areas for 
mini-forest or small nature parks, lining roads and highways with trees, 
shrubs, or ornamental plants, and ground landscaping of schools, 
hospitals, and other government agencies in order to improve the 
environment in urban areas;  
 
uuu. “Vulnerable areas" refer to areas exposed to natural and anthropogenic 
hazards of soil, geology, vegetation, flora, fauna, human and coastal; 
 
vvv. 
“Water security" refers to the sufficient access throughout the year of-
the minimum daily requirement of clean water to maintain a healthy life; 
 
www. “Watershed" refers to a land area drained by a stream or fixed body of 
water and its tributaries having a common outlet for surface run-off; 
 
xxx. 
“Watershed and Ecosystem Management” refers to the holistic, 
collaborative, multiple uses and sustainable management of all the 
resources within a planning unit known as watershed; 
 
yyy. 
“Watershed reservation" refers to a forest land reservation established 
to protect or improve the conditions of the water yield thereof to reduce 
sedimentation; 
 
zzz. “Zoning" refers to the division of a community into districts (e.g., 
commercial, residential, industrial, institutional, etc.) in order to maximize, 
regulate and direct their use and development according to the 
Comprehensive Land Use Plan. It is also concerned primarily with the use 
of land and through imposition of building heights, bulk, open space and 
density in a given area; and  
 
aaaa. “Zoning ordinance or ZO” refers to a locally enacted ordinance which 
embodies, among others, regulations affecting uses allowed or disallowed 
in each zone or district, conditions for allowing them, and deviations 
legally allowed, from the requirements of the ordinance. 
 
 
CHAPTER II 


 
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PHYSICAL FRAMEWORK AND LAND USE PLANS 
 
SEC. 5. National Physical Framework Plan. -  The National Land Use Council 
(NLUC), created in Section 14 herein, shall formulate and periodically update a 
National Physical Framework, Plan (NPFP) that defines the urban, rural and regional 
development in the country. The framework plan shall promote the following 
objectives: (a) global competitiveness of the national urban system that is fully 
integrated with the rural areas; (b) employment and inclusive growth; (c) sustainable 
use of land and water resources; (d) protection of environmentally-critical areas and 
prime agricultural lands; (e) sustainable communities; (f) effective social service 
delivery; (g) safe food production and distribution efficiency; (h) historic and heritage 
preservation and recognition of ancestral domains; and (i) DRR and CCA. The NPFP 
shall have a timeframe of 30 years, to be reviewed and updated every 10 years. The 
policies prescribed in the NPFP shall be integrated into the PDP and the Public 
Investment Program. 
 
SEC. 6. Regional Physical Development Framework. - The Regional Land Use 
Policy Committee (RLUPC), created under Section 18 of this Act, shall formulate and 
periodically update the regional physical development framework in a manner 
consistent with and following the objectives of the NPFP, as applicable to the region. 
The regional physical development framework shall guide the preparation of and 
harmonize the PDPFPs and Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) of highly 
urbanized cities (HUCs) and independent component cities (ICCs) within the 
territorial jurisdiction of the region. It shall have a timeframe of 30 years, to be 
reviewed and updated every 10 years. The regional physical development framework 
shall serve as a spatial input in the formulation of the RDP and the Regional 
Development Investment Program. 
 
SEC. 7. Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans. - The 
Provincial Development Council (PDC), through the Provincial Planning and 
Development Office (PPDO), shall formulate and periodically update the PDPFP 
which shall define the province's development vision. economic and social 
development policies, general land uses, inter-city/municipal transportation system, 
and DRR and CCA strategies. The PDPFP shall prescribe a framework consistent with 
the regional physical development framework and define the physical development 
of the province in a manner that promotes the objectives of the NPFP defined in 
Section 5 of this Act. The PDPFP shall harmonize the CLUPs of component cities and 
municipalities, taking into consideration shared resources and planning concerns, 
thus making it a key vertical influence in linking local development objectives with 
regional and national policies and priorities. The PDPFP shall have a planning period 
of 10 years, to be updated every three (3) years. It shall serve as basis in the formulation 
of the Provincial Development Investment Program. 
 
The PDPFP shall be submitted to the Provincial Land Use Policy Committee. 
Created under Section 19 of this Act, for review and endorsement to the Sangguniang 
Panlalawigan, which shall adopt the same pursuant to Section 468 (2) (vii) of RA 7160 
or the LGC. 
 


 
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SEC. 8. City and Municipal Land Use Plans. - The City/Municipal 
Development Council, through the City/Municipal Planning and Development 
Office (C/MPDO), shall formulate and periodically update the CLUP in accordance 
with national policies, standards, and guidelines issued by the Department of Human 
Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). The CLUP shall define the 
city/municipality's development vision, environmental protection, economic and 
social development policies, land uses, densities, and transportation system. The 
C/MPDO shall incorporate in the CLUP the updated SAFDZ maps prepared by the 
DA through BSWM pursuant to RA 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries 
Modernization Act (AFMA). The CLUP shall be consistent with the PDPFP; it shall 
define the physical development of the city/municipality in a manner that promotes 
the objectives of the NPFP defined in Section 5 of this Act. 
 
The spatial directions prescribed in the CLUP shall be the basis for the CDP 
and local development investment program. The CLUP shall be enacted into a Zoning 
Ordinance (ZO) by the Sanggunian to regulate the uses of land, including limitations 
on height, density and bulk of buildings, and other infrastructure that may be placed 
thereon. 
 
SEC. 9. Physical Framework and Land Use Planning Process. - The physical 
framework and land use planning process shall be iterative following a combined 
bottom-up and top-down approach, with mandatory consultations conducted in all 
levels, and shall consider available and updated multidisciplinary scientific 
information of land uses. The NPFP shall guide planning at the national and 
subnational levels. The regional physical development framework and, consequently, 
the PDPFPs and CLUPs shall be consistent with the NPFP; Provided that the 
integration and harmonization of physical and land use plans at all levels shall be 
iterative to ensure that the concerns of both top and bottom levels of government are 
considered in the NPFP, regional development physical frameworks. PDPFPs and 
CLUPs. The physical and land use plans prepared at all levels shall have internal 
consistency to ensure complementation in the utilization, development and 
management of land. 
 
SEC. 10. Revision of Existing Planning Guidelines. - The existing planning 
guidelines on the NPFP, regional development physical framework and PDPFP shall 
be reviewed and revised pursuant to Sections 5, 6, 7, and 9 of this Act. 
 
 
CHAPTER IV 
FRAMEWORK FOR LAND USE/PHYSICAL PLANNING 
 
SEC. 11. Basic Objective of Land Use/Physical Framework Planning. – The 
primary objective of a physical framework plan is to describe existing land uses and 
to identify an integrating physical framework - including an overall vision, policies 
on social and economic development and environmental protection and supporting 
transportation and other infrastructure facilities - that will define future development. 
Its output includes the identification of programs, projects and activities needed to 
achieve the desired development, and which will serve as inputs to the investment 


 
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program. In the case of the CLUP, it is also intended to provide specific development 
and building guidelines and parameters that will be implemented through a ZO. 
 
SEC. 12. Approach to Land Use/Physical Framework Planning. - In general, 
the land use/physical framework planning process shall include a description of 
existing land uses and land use trends, as well as the physical, demographic, 
economic, social and environmental conditions that have shaped and are likely to 
shape future land use and physical developments. It shall then derive a land use 
plan/physical framework by matching, reconciling or integrating the demand for 
land (the need for land given future projections and requirements) with the supply of 
land (the land available for specific uses). The resulting land use plan/physical 
framework shall be the basis for identifying necessary policies, programs, projects and 
activities, and development controls to guide future development. The land use 
plan/physical framework must be holistic in nature and not emanate from specific 
individual or corporation which, in essence, constitutes as spot zoning. 
 
SEC. 13. Basic Land Use/Physical Planning Considerations. - The following 
are some basic land use planning considerations: 
 
a. Priority shall be given to life and safety, and thus to identifying hazard 
prone areas and corresponding risk reduction measures as part of the DRR 
and CCA objective. Areas identified to be available for other land uses shall 
then be planned accordingly; 
 
b. Multiple uses of land is possible and even desirable in order to promote 
sustainability and efficiency. The CLUPs should identify the dominant uses 
for specific areas, however, utmost consideration to environmental 
protection should be a primordial concern; 
 
c. Environmentally-critical areas, SAFDZ as prime agricultural lands, IP 
culturally significant lands and strict protection zones shall be protected 
from land use conversion or reclassification. Should land use conversion of 
IP culturally significant lands be inevitable for public interest, consultation 
with and rituals of the IPs should be done; 
 
d. The identification of network of settlements and settlement and non-
settlement areas is key in determining the demand for land because this 
establishes the location of employment-generating industries and services 
as well as housing. Once identified, other support uses such, as 
transportation and other infrastructure facilities as well as social services 
can be determined; 
 
e. In general, economic growth and poverty reduction are enhanced by land 
uses which promote a globally competitive national urban system that is 
fully integrated with the rural areas. The specific roles of individual cities 
and municipalities in this system will vary depending on their demographic 
trends, the competitiveness of existing and potential economic activities, 
physical environment and resource endowments, quality of external 


 
16 
linkages and internal integration, infrastructure and technological 
capacities; 
 
f. Ancestral domain and native titles shall be recognized and respected and 
protected, with the ADSDPP in harmony with physical/land use and 
development plans at the regional and local levels. The right of the 
IPs/ICCs provided under IPRA on the use of their land shall be inviolable. 
g. Sustainable development should be integrated into protection as well as in 
other urban and rural land uses; 
 
h. Physical characteristics such as soil, land cover, slope, topography, 
elevation, geology, geography, climate, and resulting vulnerability to land 
degradation and, hazard prone areas are basic considerations in identifying 
allowable or preferred land uses, transportation systems and other support 
infrastructure facilities; 
 
i. Land use conflicts are inevitable, unavoidable, and are likely to increase and 
intensify as population increases. Greater consideration should be given to 
those that are life-threatening or are direct threats to public safety; harmful 
or destructive to protected areas, flora, fauna, and other protected natural 
resources and ecosystems; and 
 
j. All levels of physical and land use plans shall be directly linked and aligned 
with each other and consistent with the objectives of the Philippine 
Development Plan and other government policies, plans and frameworks. 
 
 
CHAPTER V 
IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE AND MECHANISM 
 
Article 1 
National Land Use Council 
 
SEC. 14. Creation of the National Land Use Council (NLUC). - The National 
Land Use Council, hereinafter referred to as NLUC, is hereby created. It shall exercise 
the powers and responsibilities of the current NEDA Board - National Land Use 
Committee which is hereby abolished. The NLUC shall act as the highest policy 
making body on land use and resolve land use policy conflicts between or among 
agencies, branches, or levels of the government. It shall integrate efforts, monitor 
developments relating to land use, and the evolution of policies. 
 
SEC. 15. Composition of the NLUC. - The NLUC shall be composed of 23 
members. 
 
a. The Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority 
(NEDA) as Chairperson; 
 


 
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b. The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
(DENR) as Vice-Chairperson; 
 
c. The Secretaries of the Department of Finance, Justice, Agriculture, Public 
Works and Highways, National Defense, Trade and Industry, Agrarian 
Reform, Interior and Local Government, Tourism, Transportation, Science 
and Technology, Energy, Information and Communications Technology, 
and Human Settlements and Urban Development; 
 
d. The Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples; 
 
e. The Presidents of the Leagues of Municipalities. Cities and Provinces; and 
 
f. Two land use planning experts from the Private Sector. 
 
SEC. 16. Powers and Functions. - The NLUC shall have the following powers 
and functions: 
 
a. Formulate policies, and harmonize all laws and policies relevant to land use 
and physical planning; 
 
b. Decide and resolve policy conflicts on land use between or among national 
government agencies and act on unresolved similar land use policy conflicts 
elevated by Regional Land Use Policy Committee (RLUPC);  
 
c. Advise the President of the Philippines on all matters concerning land use 
and physical planning as well as recommend the adoption, passage, or 
amendment of laws to ensure that plans. programs, projects, and activities, 
including local government initiatives affecting land use are consistent with 
national development objectives; 
 
d. Prepare and periodically update the NPFP; 
 
e. Coordinate the establishment and maintenance of a national land resource 
information and management system that shall integrate, process and share 
information on land use and allocation generated by the various national 
government agencies; define information requirements at various levels; 
and standardize information inputs and outputs including scales and 
symbols used in territorial and sectoral maps; 
 
f. Monitor and coordinate the conduct of studies pertaining to land use 
planning including studies on the management of identified land uses and 
such other studies not undertaken by other government agencies; 
 
g. Monitor and coordinate the activities of 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; 


 
18 
 
h. Declare projects of national significance; 
 
i. Call on any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the 
government, and or private entities and organization for cooperation, 
support, and assistance in the performance of its functions; 
 
j. Adopt rules of procedures for the orderly and expeditious conduct of 
meetings and other business of the Council; and 
 
k. Perform such other acts and functions and exercise such other powers as 
may be necessarily implied, inherent, incident, or related to the foregoing. 
 
SEC. 17. National Land Use Office (NLUO). - The National Land Use Office is 
hereby created as an agency attached to NEDA which will serve as technical 
secretariat to the NLUC. The NEDA Regional Development Office personnel who 
serve as secretariat to the NEDA Board - National Land Use Committee who opted to 
transfer to the NLUO shall be given priority without diminution in rank and 
remuneration. The staffing pattern shall be drafted by the NEDA in coordination with 
DBM and Civil Service Commission. 
 
The NLUO shall be headed by an Executive Director with a rank of 
Undersecretary who shall supervise the operations of the NLUO. He/She shall be a 
qualified professional in any of the fields of land use, physical planning, 
environmental management, engineering, public governance or law. The NLUO will 
establish regional offices which will provide technical secretariat support to the 
Regional Land Use Policy Committee created under Sec. 18 of this Act. 
 
SEC. 18. Regional Land Use Policy Committee (RLUPC). - At the regional 
level, the RLUPC under the Regional Development Council (RDC) will be 
institutionalized, The RLUPC will replicate the NLUC structure and composition, and 
replace the RDC's Regional Land Use Committee, which is hereby abolished. The 
RLUPC shall have the following functions: 
 
a. Formulate regional policies on land use and physical planning consistent 
with national policies and issuances on land use;  
 
b. Decide and resolve policy conflicts on land use planning, classification, and 
allocation that may arise between or among regional line agencies; 
 
c. Prepare and periodically update the regional development physical 
framework to consider national policies and programs and to provide 
policy directions to provinces, cities, and municipalities in the preparation 
of their respective physical plans; 
 
d. Guide the provinces, in preparing and periodically updating their PDPFPs 
to ensure consistency with regional and national plans and policies and to 


 
19 
facilitate its integration to the regional plans following a combined bottom-
up and top-down approach; 
 
e. Review the PDPFPs of provinces, and CLUPs of highly urbanized cities 
(HUCs) and independent component cities (ICCs); 
 
f. Promote cooperation and sharing of resources between and among 
provinces and with their component LGUs to address physical framework 
planning and development issues including those related to hazards and 
risks; 
 
g. Undertake the gathering of regional data for the land resource information 
and management system; 
 
h. Recommend to the NLUC appropriate policies that will resolve land use 
issues and expedite the resolution. 
 
i. Perform other related functions as may be directed by the NLUC. 
 
Article 2 
Local Land Use Committees 
 
SEC. 19. Provincial Land Use Policy Committee (PLUPC). - The Provincial 
Land Use Committee created under Executive Order No. 72 s. 1993 is hereby 
abolished, and the 
Provincial Land Use Policy Committee is hereby created in all provinces to tackle land 
use concerns whenever necessary. 
 
The PLUPC shall: 
 
a. Advise the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on all matters pertaining to land use 
and physical planning; 
 
b. Decide and resolve policy conflicts or concerns on land use planning, land 
classification, and allocation that may arise at the provincial level and those 
between or among cities/municipalities and any unresolved land use 
conflicts at the city/municipality level; 
 
c. Promote cooperation and sharing of resources between and among 
component LGUs of the province to address land use and development 
issues including those related to hazards and risks; 
 
d. Review and endorse to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for adoption, the 
PDPFP prepared and periodically updated by the PPDO and other land use 
and physical planning-related policies; and 
 
e. Assist the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in reviewing the CLUPs of component 
cities/municipalities to ensure consistency with the PDPFP and compliance 


 
20 
with the limits prescribed under the 1991 LGC for reclassifying agricultural 
lands. 
 
The PLUPC shall be composed of the following: Provincial Planning and 
Development Coordinator as chairman, Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial 
Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Provincial Fisheries Officer, Provincial 
Tourism Officer, Provincial Engineer, Provincial Assessor, Provincial Agrarian 
Reform Officer, representative of the DA Regional Field Unit, DILG Provincial 
Director, representative from DHSUD Regional Office, a representative from CSO and 
the private sector. The PLUPC may call upon any official of national and regional 
agencies and other relevant agencies during discussions on land use and physical 
planning concerns. 
 
Provinces shall activate their respective PLUPCs within six (6) months from the 
effectivity of this Act. 
 
SEC. 20. City/Municipal Land Use Committee (C/MLUC). - A City/Municipal 
Land Use Committee (C/MLUC) is hereby created in all cities and municipalities, 
including highly urbanized and independent component cities, to tackle land use 
concerns whenever necessary. 
 
The C/MLUC shall: 
 
a. Advise the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlungsod on all matters 
pertaining to land use and physical planning; 
 
b. Endorse to the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlungsod, after its 
review, for adoption, the CLUP prepared and periodically updated by the 
City/Municipal Planning and Development Office and other land use and 
physical planning-related policies; and 
 
c. Decide and resolve policy conflicts on land use planning, land classification 
and allocation that may arise at the city or municipal level and any 
unresolved land use conflicts between and among barangays. 
 
For purposes of this Act, the City/Municipal Planning and Development 
Coordinator (C/MPDC) shall (a) act on all applications for locational clearances for 
all new projects except those of vital and national economic or environmental 
significance which, upon NEDA's declaration of national significance, will be acted 
upon by DHSUD, and (b) monitor ongoing/existing projects within their respective 
jurisdictions and issue notices of violation to owners, developers, or managers of 
projects that are violative of ZOs. 
 
The C/MLUC shall replicate the PLUPC structure and composition. The 
C/MLUC may call upon any official of national, regional, and provincial 
agencies/offices and other relevant agencies during discussions on land use and 
physical planning concerns. 
 


 
21 
LGUs shall activate their respective C/MLUCs within six (6) months from the 
effectivity of this Act. 
 
Article 3 
Adoption, Approval and Review of Land Use Plans 
 
SEC. 21. Component Cities and Municipalities. - As prescribed in existing laws 
and issuances, the component cities and municipalities. through their respective 
Sanggunian, shall adopt their respective CLUPs and Zos, subject to the power of 
review and approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of their respective provinces 
with respect to the consistency of the CLUPs and ZOs with Section 8 hereof on the 
preparation of the PDPFP and with regional and national policies. 
 
SEC. 22. Provinces, Highly Urbanized Cities and Independent Component 
Cities, - Provinces, HUCs and ICCs shall have the power and authority to adopt and 
approve their respective PDPFP, CLUPs. and ZOs, as the case may be, through their 
respective Sanggunian. The PDPFP and CLUP shall be reviewed by the RLUPC prior 
to the adoption by the respective Sanggunian. For the cities and municipality of Metro 
Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, together with the DHSUD, 
shall review their CLUPs; the DHSUD shall also ratify their CLUPs. 
 
Article 4 
Responsibilities of the National Government Agencies and LGUs 
 
SEC. 23. Forest Land Boundary Delineation. - Within two (2) years after the 
effectivity of this Act, the DENR shall complete the delineation on the ground of forest 
lands and national parks, and submit the same to Congress for enactment into law 
pursuant to Section 4 Article XII of the 1987 Constitution. The result of forest boundary 
delineation shall be made available to the public. 
 
As a result of forest boundary delineation and assessment, alienable and 
disposable lands with slopes of eighteen percent (18%) and above which have not yet 
been enacted by Congress may be reclassified as forest lands which shall have 
restricted use for public interest in consideration of environmental and hazard risk 
mitigation. In the event that said alienable and disposable lands are titled prior to the 
approval of this Act, a new title shall be issued by the DENR to incorporate provisions, 
to be defined by DENR, relating to the application of disaster/hazard mitigation 
measures, such as soil and water conservation measures, effective vegetation cover, 
and other related measures. 
 
SEC. 24. National Geospatial Information Program. - Within two (2) years 
upon the effectivity of this Act, the NAMRIA, in coordination with BSWM, Forest 
Management Bureau (FMB), Land Management Bureau, Biodiversity Management 
Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Philippine Institute of Volcanology 
and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), DAR, the National Water Resources Board, National 
Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Energy (DOE), NEDA 
and other concerned government agencies/bureaus shall complete the updating of 
base maps. These base maps and corresponding geospatial data shall be shared and 


 
22 
disseminated to all agencies and LGUs to serve as reference in plan preparation and 
other planning activities. 
 
SEC. 25. Delineation and Mapping of Hazard-prone and Vulnerable Areas. -  
Within two (2) years upon the effectivity of this Act, the BSWM, MGB, FMB, DENR- 
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, PHIVOLCS, PAGASA, DOE, and 
NAMRIA, in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and 
Management Council, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 
Councils, the Climate Change Commission, and other concerned government 
agencies shall delineate and continuously update the geo-hazard, vulnerable area, 
hydrometeorological hazard maps and the corresponding geospatial data. 
 
These maps shall be shared and disseminated to LGUs which shall 
subsequently guide them in the preparation of their own hazards-constrained 
development and physical framework and land use plans. 
 
SEC. 26. Basic and Applied Research for Science and Technology Development. 
- Within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Science and 
Technology, in coordination with concerned agencies, shall formulate a research 
agenda that will support physical framework and land use planning. 
 
SEC. 27. Scope and Nature of Responsibilities of Other National Government 
Agencies. - All concerned national government agencies/bodies shall periodically 
report to the NLUC on the various activities and accomplishments relative to land use. 
Likewise, they shall provide their respective sectoral/development plans and other 
relevant up-to-date data and maps and render technical and administrative support 
if called upon by the NLUC relative to the implementation of the provisions of this 
Act. 
 
SEC. 28. Monitoring of CLUP Implementation. - The DHSUD shall design and 
install an information system for monitoring the actual use of land resources, the 
reclassification of agricultural lands authorized by cities and municipalities, and the 
implementation of CLUPs of LGUs with a view to ensuring the compliance with 
national policies, standards and guidelines: Provided, that the system shall be 
developed in coordination with DA, DAR, DILG, NEDA, League of Provinces, League 
of Cities, League of Municipalities and other concerned national government 
agencies. 
 
SEC. 29. Submission of Annual Report on the Implementation of CLUPs. - The 
C/MLUCs shall submit an annual report on the implementation of their land use 
plans to the PLUPC, which shall in turn integrate the provincial reports for submission 
to the DHSUD regional office. The analysis and related reports on the implementation 
of CLUPs shall then be submitted by the DSHUD to the NLUC. 
 
 
CHAPTER VI 
SPECIAL AREAS OF CONCERN 
 


 
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Article 1 
Forest Lands, Watershed Reservations and National Parks 
 
SEC. 30. Reversion of Alienable and Disposable Lands to Forestlands. - Upon 
the recommendation of the Secretary of the DENR, duly reviewed and endorsed by 
the NLUC, and after due consultations with the concerned LGUs and affected parties, 
Congress may authorize the reversion of alienable and disposable lands of the public 
domain or portion thereof to forest lands. Geohazard conditions shall be considered 
prior to LGU issuances of permits and clearances in forestlands. Regardless of any 
government agency issuing a land title, the DENR together with NAMRIA shall 
review those designated forestlands with non-conforming uses and recommend 
measures on how to address these. 
 
SEC. 31. Critical Watershed and Sub-Watershed Areas. - The DENR, in 
coordination with the DA, NIA, LGUs, and other government agencies, including 
government-owned and-controlled corporations, shall update information on 
location and condition of existing and proclaimed watersheds. The DENR shall 
further identify potential watershed areas and delineate critical watershed and sub-
watershed areas that need to be protected, rehabilitated, enhanced, and/or 
withdrawn from inappropriate and unsustainable uses that contribute to their further 
degradation. 
 
SEC. 32. Formulation and Implementation of Integrated Watershed 
Management Plans. - The Watershed Management Planning Team or Watershed 
Management Council, composed of the DENR, the LGUs and other NGAs and 
stakeholders concerned shall prepare their integrated watershed management plans 
(IWMP), which shall be the basis for the formulation of LGUs’ CLUPs, DRR/CCA 
plans, and ADSDPPs. The formulation of the IWMP shall be guided, among others, 
by the principles of sustainable management and watershed and ecosystem 
management. 
 
In cases where a particular watershed straddles two or more regions, the region 
which covers the largest portion shall lead in the preparation of the IWMP.  
 
The DENR, LGUs, NGAs and major stakeholders concerned shall jointly 
implement the integrated watershed management plan subject to regular 
consultations with and involvement of the local communities and other stakeholders. 
 
SEC. 33. Establishment and Management of National Parks. - All areas 
proclaimed by the President and Congress under the NIPAS pursuant to RA 7586 as 
amended by RA 11038 including those identified initial component of the NIPAS, 
shall comprise the National Parks classification of the public domain. The DENR and 
concerned LGUs shall ensure that such areas are integrated in the CLUP and physical 
framework plans; Provided however, that the preparation of management plans of 
protected areas/national parks shall be in accordance with the provisions of RA 7586 
as amended by RA 11038 and other laws establishing or declaring a specific area as 
permanent component of the NIPAS. 
 


 
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Article 2 
Coastal Zones, Marine Resources and Waterways Easements 
 
SEC. 34. Criteria on the Allocation and Utilization of Lands within the 
Coastal Zones. - The allocation and utilization of lands within the coastal zones shall 
be guided by the following: 
 
a. Areas vegetated with mangrove species shall be preserved for mangrove 
production and shall not be converted to other uses. Violation of this 
provision shall be subject to the penalties imposed under Sec. 99 of RA 
10654 amending RA 8550 otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code 
of 1998; 
 
b. Subject to clearance from the DENR, areas that meet all accepted criteria on 
elevation, soil type, soil depth, topography, supply for successful fishpond 
development, except mangrove protected areas, shall be utilized for 
aquaculture purposes; 
 
c. Areas subclassified as mangrove and still suitable for use as such, or due to 
environmental conditions need to be preserved as mangrove, but is devoid 
of mangrove stands shall not be converted to other uses and must be 
rehabilitated/reforested; intrusion to such areas shall be a ground for 
eviction and imposition of appropriate penalties to be prescribed by the 
DENR. Violation of this provision shall be subject to the penalties imposed 
under Sec. 99 of RA 10654 amending RA 8550; 
 
d. Subject to DENR guidelines, areas accessible to the sea and identified for 
fisherfolk settlement and housing shall be allocated to traditional fisherfolks 
who are inhabitants of the coastal communities and members of legitimate 
fisherfolk organizations and/or holders of stewardship lease contracts or 
titles to ancestral domains or any form of property right arrangements who 
participate in coastal resource management initiatives, subject to the 
provisions under Article 51 of PD 1067; 
 
e. Consistent with the DENR guidelines, areas that are neither subclassified as 
mangrove, fisherfolk settlement nor fishpond may be devoted to 
recreational or tourism purposes: Provided, that such undertaking will not 
result in environmental degradation and displacement of small fishers; 
 
f. Areas which are considered as traditional fishing grounds shall be used 
primarily for such purpose, provided, that such practice will not defeat the 
purpose of establishing marine protected areas; 
 
g. In compliance to the DENR guidelines, foreshore areas which have been 
allocated for small infrastructure needed by fisherfolks shall be allowed: 
Provided, that such undertaking will not result in environmental 
degradation; and 
 


 
25 
h. With primary environmental consideration, areas which form part of 
foreshore lands as defined in this Act including those that are under lease 
agreements or arrangements shall be zoned according to its designated use 
and evaluated to determine their boundaries and actual sizes. 
 
SEC. 35. Coastal Land Zone Subclassification. - All public lands in the coastal 
zones shall be subclassified into any of the following: fishponds, mangroves, 
protection from tidal surge, for preservation of biodiversity, habitats and sanctuaries 
for endangered wildlife, fisherfolk settlement, or recreational/tourism areas. No 
subclassification of coastal zones to different uses shall be done without the following: 
 
a. Conduct of a comprehensive resource and environmental assessment by the 
DENR and respective LGUs and accredited non -government organizations 
(NGOs) and private organizations (POs) within their jurisdiction; and 
 
b. Prior consultation with local Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management 
Councils formed under RA 8550. 
 
SEC. 36. Zoning of Foreshore Areas. - LGUs, with the technical assistance from 
the DENR, shall conduct zoning of their respective foreshore areas to assist 
government and community fishers identify priority areas for conservation and 
development, and to enable them to set targets for mangrove reforestation and 
rehabilitation. Zoning of foreshore areas shall take into consideration ancestral 
domains that include ancestral waters. 
 
SEC. 37. Marine Resources. - The exploration, development and use of marine 
resources in Philippine waters shall be reserved exclusively to Filipinos. Management 
of these resources shall be in accordance with existing relevant laws including, but not 
limited to the PD 1067, RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654, and RA 7586 as amended 
by RA 11038, and RA 8435. To promote harmony in management of land, coastal and 
marine resources, CLUPs of coastal LGUs will incorporate Integrated Coastal 
Management of their municipal waters. 
 
SEC. 38. Protection of Waterways Easements and Flood Plains. -  Structures 
of any kind shall not be built in waterways easements. The banks of rivers and streams 
and the shores of the seas and lakes throughout their entire length and within a zone 
of 10 meters in urban areas, 20 meters in agricultural areas and 40 meters in forest 
areas, along their margins, are subject to the easement of public use only in the interest 
of recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage. 
 
The protection of floodplains shall adopt a river basin management approach 
in order to come up with integrated flood mitigation interventions. Development 
within flood plains and other flood-prone areas must be controlled or, if allowed, must 
be so sited, constructed and serviced that life of occupants are not put at risk and that 
disruptions during floods are minimal. The identification and characterization of 
flood-prone areas and flood plains shall be an integral part of CLUP preparation. 
Through the CLUPs and ZOs, LGUs shall establish land use regulations including the 


 
26 
implementation of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 to 
mitigate flood risks. 
 
To promote the best interest and the coordinated protection of flood plains, the 
DPWH, in coordination with DOST and DENR, shall declare flood control areas, as 
necessary, and prohibit or control activities that could damage or cause deterioration 
of lakes and dikes, obstruct the flow of water, change the natural flow of rivers, 
increase flood losses or aggravate flood problems pursuant to PD 1067. As such, any 
plan. intervention or utilization specified in this Section should be cleared and issued 
appropriate permits by the concerned LGU provided herein, including imposition of 
penalties against identified violators. 
 
Article 3 
Settlements Development 
 
SEC. 39. Town, City, and Settlements Development. - Guided by the 
framework for land use planning in Chapter IV of this Act and the National Urban 
Development and Housing Framework, the CLUPs and ZOs shall direct the physical 
development of settlement areas towards the overall goal of economic development 
and inclusive growth while maintaining environmental integrity. 
 
SEC. 40. Network of Settlements. - The framework and policies for the 
development of network of settlements shall be provided by the National Physical 
Framework Plan formulated by the NLUC. Individual settlements shall be planned as 
part of a national network of settlements. The network shall be based on existing and 
potential settlements; production activities, particularly those that involve highly 
competitive industries and services and generate local employment; environmental 
constraints and sustainability considerations. Individual cities and municipalities 
shall be integrated through transportation and other infrastructure support facilities. 
 
SEC. 41. Criteria for Settlement Sites. - The following shall be the criteria for 
identifying settlement areas: 
 
a. Within A&D lands but not in environmentally- critical, hazard-prone or 
other protection areas; 
 
b. Along established urban growth directions; 
 
c. Are already or can be provided with basic services and utilities; 
 
d. Ideally within the 0-8% slope range, but with mitigating measures from 
slope 9-17%; 
 
e. Reasonably accessible from existing built-up areas and other employment 
centers through existing or proposed roads and other transportation 
facilities. 
 


 
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f. Identified ICCs/IPs settlement areas shall be located within ancestral 
domains based on the ADSDPP. 
 
 
Hazard-prone (or high-risk) areas shall be defined, delineated and mapped by 
the DENR and other the mandated government agencies. As such, new settlements 
within high-risk areas shall not be allowed. In cases where there are existing 
settlements within geo-hazard areas and/or high-risk areas, mitigating and/or 
protective measures shall be adopted to address the potential danger or risk to lives 
and property within such settlements. In coordination with the concerned agencies of 
the government, the NLUC, through the RLUPC and PLUPC, shall provide assistance 
to concerned LGUs and settlers in instituting safety and corrective measures to 
address the potential danger or risk. New developments within geo-hazard areas shall 
be required to submit an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and 
Engineering Geological and Geo-hazard Assessment Report (EGGAR) consistent with 
the Revised Procedural Manual for DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2003-30 
or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of PD 1586 establishing an Environmental 
Impact Statement System and DAO No. 2000-28 or the “Implementing Guidelines on 
Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment as Additional Requirement for 
ECC Applications covering Subdivision. Housing and other Land Development and 
Infrastructure Projects." 
 
SEC. 42. Sustainable Communities. - Each city/municipality or cluster of 
cities/municipalities, as appropriate, shall seek to follow the basic features of 
sustainable communities, as guided by the National Urban Development and 
Housing Framework: transit-oriented, pedestrian-biased, and multiple use, with 
systems and practices that promote water use efficiency (including water harvesting 
and recycling), energy efficiency, waste segregation, recycling, and adequate 
community facilities. Cities and municipalities or clusters thereof shall identify, 
designate and allocate areas within their territorial jurisdiction to serve as waste 
disposal site following the provisions of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste 
Management Act of 2000. 
 
SEC. 43. Socialized Housing Zones. - In accordance with the UDHA, each 
city/municipality shall designate and delineate adequate land for housing or 
residential purposes, including socialized housing and resettlement areas, for the 
immediate and future needs of the local population as well as those identified as 
settlers on high-risk areas, underprivileged and homeless within their jurisdiction. 
The designated and delineated sites for socialized housing, which may include 
patrimonial properties, shall be zoned as socialized housing areas in the city's or 
municipality's ZO, pursuant to existing laws and regulations. The State shall 
encourage on-site development and shall consider accessibility of affected community 
to employment, economic activities and social services. Socialized housing and 
resettlement areas identified and delineated by the city or municipality shall be 
registered with the DHSUD. 
 
SEC. 44. Urban Forest or Green Space. - Each city or highly urbanizing 
municipality shall identify, designate, and allocate lands owned by the barangay, city 


 
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or municipality as urban forest or green space based on guidelines and standards to 
be formulated by DHSUD and adopted by the NLUC. 
 
Article 4 
Agricultural Lands 
 
SEC. 45. Priority Areas for Agricultural Development. - Priority areas for 
agricultural development are those covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform 
Program (CARP) and the SAFDZ as defined in Section 4 of this Act. 
 
SEC. 46. Conversion of Agricultural Lands. - Agricultural lands are deemed 
converted to non-agricultural uses upon approval by the DAR of the application for 
conversion or the issuance of an Exemption Clearance, if the land is reclassified as 
commercial, industrial or residential prior to June 15, 1988. Prime agricultural lands 
or SAFDZs which are necessary for attaining food security in rice and corn and other 
basic commodities, as determined by the DA, subject to mandatory public 
hearings/consultations with the LGUs and endorsement by PLUPCs, the private 
sector, the NGOs and POs shall be protected from conversion. Provided, that all 
irrigated and irrigable lands, all lands developed or possessing the potential for 
development of high value crops, and all agricultural lands that are ecologically 
fragile and whose conversion will result in serious environmental problems cannot be 
converted, the areas under which are subject to review every 6-8 years by the DA, with 
mandatory public hearings/consultations. Provided further that in line with the 
principle that balances food security with the economic efficiency of higher density 
uses, land use conversion may be allowed when the land, as determined by the DA, 
ceases to be economically feasible and sound for agricultural purposes, or when the 
locality has become urbanized and the land will have a greater economic value for 
residential, commercial or industrial purposes except those not subject to conversion 
as defined in this Section. 
 
SEC. 47. Reclassification of Agricultural Lands. -  Consistent with the LGC, 
LGUs may reclassify agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses. Reclassification shall 
only be done during the preparation or updating of the CLUP and shall be reflected 
in the plan. Reclassification in excess of the limits set by the LGC shall be approved 
by the NLUC. Provided, that the reclassification limits shall be based on the total area 
of lands zoned as agricultural at the time of updating of the CLUP. However, the DA 
shall first certify that agricultural lands to be reclassified into non-agricultural uses 
are eligible for reclassification in accordance with the preceding Section. Further, 
reclassified lands are deemed converted only upon approval of the DAR as provided 
in Section 45 of this Act. 
 
Article 5 
Mineral Lands 
 
SEC. 48. Criteria for the Utilization and Allocation of Land for Mining 
Purposes. - Consistent with Section 5 of this Act and the provisions of RA 7942 or the 
Mining Act of 1995, subject to FPIC of ICCs/IPs, and to ensure that the objectives of 
maintaining ecological balance and maximizing economic returns to mining 


 
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operations are realized, the utilization and allocation of lands for mining purposes 
shall be guided by the following: 
 
a. The principles of sustainable development and responsible mining; 
 
b. In case of small-scale mining, adequate and acceptable safeguards shall be 
instituted by the holders of mining rights or permits to prevent 
environmental degradation of the mining sites and adjacent areas pursuant 
to RA 7076 or the People's Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991; - No small-scale 
mining shall be undertaken outside a declared Minahang Bayan and no 
entity shall engage in small-scale mining without a corresponding mining 
contract, pursuant to RA 7076; 
 
c. Mineral reservations which have become non-operational for at least 10 
years as determined by the MGB shall be placed under appropriate surface 
management by the DENR or under the control and management of 
IPs/CCs for those under ancestral domain areas; and 
 
d. Consistent with the Mining Act of 1995, areas closed to mining operations 
shall be periodically reviewed through mineral exploration to be 
undertaken by the MGB for the purpose of determining whether or not their 
continued closure is consistent with the national interest and, if warranted, 
recommend their reclassification as mineral lands or ancestral domain 
subject to RA 8371. 
 
e. In addition to areas indicated in RA 7942, applications for mineral, 
contracts, concessions and agreements shall not be allowed by in NIPAS 
areas, prime agricultural lands and lands covered by CARP, tourism 
development areas, and critical ecosystems as determined by the DENR. 
 
SEC. 49. Reversion of Mineral Lands. - All mineral lands with exhausted 
mineral resources, as determined by the MGB upon the approval of the DENR, shall 
revert original land classification, that is, as forestland, agricultural land, or ancestral 
domain and shall be turned over to the concerned agency. Provided that the private 
entity/organization that undertook mining activities shall be responsible for the 
rehabilitation of the mineral lands consistent with RA 7942. In the case of forestlands, 
the DENR may classify such areas for other purposes in consultation with concerned 
LGUs, the DOT, and other national government agencies. 
 
Article 6 
Energy Resource Lands 
 
SEC. 50. Guidelines for the Utilization and Allocation of Lands for Energy 
Resource Exploration, Development, Production, Utilization, and Distribution 
Purposes. - To ensure that the objectives of maintaining ecological balance and 
maximizing the power potential from indigenous energy resources in the most 
economical and environmentally-acceptable means are realized, the allocation and 


 
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utilization of lands for said purposes shall be guided by the following, consistent with 
existing regulations and laws on energy resources: 
 
a. Indigenous energy resource exploration and development for the purpose 
of a national energy resource inventory and database as well as energy 
resource block map shall be allowed subject to the implementation of 
complementary watershed and other land management plans; 
 
b. Energy resource exploration, development, production, utilization, and 
distribution shall be subject to the appropriate requirements and processes 
of the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) system. Each 
project shall secure an ECC, as applicable, prior to project implementation 
to ensure adequate and appropriate environmental management measures 
and optimum methods for resource access and recovery are utilized; and 
 
c. Energy reservations or portions thereof which have become or have been 
established to be 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. 
 
SEC. 51. Reversion of Energy Resource Lands. - All exhausted indigenous 
energy resource lands, as determined by the DOE, not covered by proclamations shall 
automatically revert to its original land classification, that is, as forestlands or 
agricultural lands, or ancestral domains, and shall be turned over to the concerned 
agency. Exhausted energy resource lands shall refer to specific energy resource sites 
whose energy reserves of the desired type/s are no longer in sufficient quantity or 
quality to justify additional expenditure for their extraction and utilization. 
 
Article 7 
Industrial Development Areas 
 
SEC. 52. Criteria for Designating Industrial Development Areas. – Industrial 
development areas shall be integrated into the national network of settlements 
defined by the NPFP, given that industrial areas are major centers of employment and 
therefore require residential and other community services and facilities. Regardless 
of their location, industrial areas shall be linked to large cities and other settlements 
which serve as market and service centers of industries.  
 
The identification and establishment of industrial development areas shall 
conform to the provisions of RA 7916, otherwise known as the Philippine Economic 
Zone Act; RA 6657 as amended by RA 9700, RA 8371 or the IPRA, RA 7279 or the 
UDHA, RA 8345 or AFMA, taking into consideration that those industrial areas shall, 
to the extent possible: 
 
a. Be based on economic activities where host communities have existing or 
potential industrial advantages (e.g., labor skills, resource inputs, 
marketing or distribution advantages); 
 


 
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b. Maximize opportunities for local employment; 
 
c. Provide for or link to a mix of other land uses with support activities and 
services such as residential, educational, transportation and other social 
services; and 
 
d. Consider the areas carrying capacity and respect identified SAFDZ 
pursuant to the AFMA, environmentally-critical, geo-hazard and other 
protected areas. 
 
Locational guidelines for Industrial Development Areas shall be promulgated 
by the DHSUD, in coordination with concerned agencies. The designated industrial 
development areas shall become an integral part of the CLUP and ZO of the city or 
municipality where these areas are located. 
 
Article 8 
Tourism and Heritage Areas 
 
SEC. 53. Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs). - The Tourism Infrastructure and 
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) shall designate TEZs, upon concurrence of the 
LGU or private entity or joint ventures between the public and the private sectors, 
subject to the provisions of RA 9593 or Tourism Act of 2009 and requirements set by 
the TIEZA. 
 
Lands identified as part of a TEZ shall qualify for exemption from the coverage 
of RAs 7279 and 6657 subject to rules and regulations to be crafted by the TIEZA, 
DHSUD and DAR; Provided that a certificate shall be obtained from the DA that said 
lands are no longer economically feasible and sound for agricultural purposes, 
consistent with Section 46(c) of this Act. 
The designated TEZs shall become an integral part of the CLUP and ZO of the 
city or municipality where these areas are located. 
 
SEC. 54. Identification and Declaration of Areas for Protection, Conservation 
and Preservation of Cultural Heritage. - Pursuant to RA 10066, the National Historical 
Institute and/or the National Museum in consultation with the National Council for 
Culture and the Arts, NCIP, DHSUD, other concerned agencies and LGUs shall 
designate heritage zones to protect the historical and cultural integrity of a 
geographical area. Proposed developments adjacent to the declared local, national 
and world heritage site shall not obstruct or diminish the character of the heritage site. 
 
Article 9 
Transportation and Other Infrastructure Development 
 
SEC. 55. Strategic Transport Network. - The national government, through the 
Department of Transportation, shall establish a strategic and sustainable multimodal 
transport network that provides connectivity within the national network of 
settlements. Such connectivity shall include linkages among existing and proposed 
priority urban centers, rural areas, production hubs and tourism zones, distribution 


 
32 
centers and markets, and key international points of entry. It shall be developed to 
promote network efficiency and social service delivery, to catalyze areas identified 
critical for economic growth, while minimizing negative impacts to environmentally-
critical and protected areas. 
 
The national network of settlements, as defined in the NPFP, shall guide the 
development of a multi-modal transportation network. The network shall be designed 
and implemented to provide seamless connectivity among the various modes of 
transportation. The RPFPs, PDPFPs and city/municipal CLUPs shall focus on the 
transportation network that corresponds to their respective jurisdictions (internal 
integration) while maintaining consistency with the overall national networks 
(external linkages). 
 
SEC. 56. Allocation and Use of Land for Infrastructure Development. – Land, 
whether public or private, shall be allocated and utilized for priority transportation 
and other infrastructure projects such as communication facilities, power lines, and 
water pipes. Lands dedicated to right-of-way for government facilities either 
established by statutes, or acquisition shall be devoted to public use. Once 
implemented or defined in the physical framework and land use plans, existing and 
proposed government infrastructure rights-of-way shall be protected from 
incompatible uses, such as informal settlements, barangay hall, outposts, waiting 
sheds and other obstructions, by national and local governments concerned. 
 
SEC. 57. Transportation and other Infrastructure Facilities and Utilities 
Within Geo-hazard Areas. - Construction of new infrastructure facilities within geo-
hazard areas shall be allowed: Provided, That mitigating and/or preventive measures 
are adopted to address the potential adverse economic, socio-cultural, and 
environmental impacts that will emanate from these infrastructure facilities, subject 
to the findings and recommendations contained in the ECC as a result of the 
environmental impact assessment/statement and EGGAR prepared in accordance 
with DAO 2003-30 and DAO 2000-28 and other applicable laws. 
 
Existing facilities that did not go through the process of an environmental 
impact assessment and pose threats to the environment, integrity of historic, 
archeological, or scientifically significant areas; or are impinging on critical 
ecosystems, may be terminated immediately, or gradually phased-out and relocated, 
or maintained up to their life span, subject, however, to mitigating measures: Provided, 
That the rules on mandatory public consultations and just and humane eviction or 
demolition shall also be observed prior to the termination, gradual phase-out, or 
relocation of projects that will necessarily involve dislocation or displacement of 
people in the area. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND VALUE FORMATION 
 
SEC. 58. Value Formation. - In order to create a well-informed, responsible and 
committed citizenry who values the protection, conservation, management and 
development of the country's limited land, and other physical resources, the State 


 
33 
shall mandate the inclusion of sustainable land use education or any subject related 
thereto in the curricula of primary, secondary and tertiary education as well as 
technical and vocational education programs. 
 
SEC. 59. Information and Education Campaign. - The NLUC shall undertake a 
nationwide education information campaign in land use and physical planning to be 
implemented by local and national government agencies. Concerned agencies shall 
formulate 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. 
 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES 
 
SEC. 60. Failure to Formulate, Enforce, and/or Implement the CLUPs. - Within 
three (3) years after the effectivity of this Act, all LGUs shall complete the formulation 
of their CLUPs. Failure to formulate, enforce and/or implement the CLUPs shall be 
subject to the penalties and sanctions to be imposed by the DHSUD pursuant to RA 
11201 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. 
 
SEC. 61. Causing Irrigated Agricultural Lands to be Idle. - Any person or 
juridical entity who shall cause any irrigated lands whether contiguous for not, within 
the protected areas for agricultural development, to lie idle and unproductive for a 
period exceeding one (1) year, unless due to force majeure, shall be subject to an idle 
land tax equivalent to five percent (5%) of the value of the agricultural land as 
appearing in its real property tax declaration. In addition, the violator shall be 
required to put back such lands to productive agricultural use. Should the continued 
agricultural inactivity, unless due to force majeure, exceed period of two (2) years, the 
land shall be subject to escheat proceedings. 
 
SEC. 62. Illegal or Premature Conversion of Agricultural Lands. - Any person 
found guilty of premature or illegal conversion shall be penalized with imprisonment 
of one month to three years, or a fine of five to ten percent (5-10%), or of the assessed 
value of the property, or both, at the discretion of the court, and an accessory penalty 
of forfeiture of the land and any improvement thereon. 
 
SEC. 63. Non-Commencement and Non-Completion of Development of 
Agricultural Lands with Approved Order of Conversion. - A landowner and his/her 
designated developer or duly authorized representative who fails to commence 
development after two (2) years or complete development after five (5) years from the 
issuance of the Conversion Order shall be penalized with revocation of Conversion 
Order and forfeiture of cash bond. 
 
SEC. 64. Change of use from the Previously Authorized Conversion Order. – 
The landowner and future landowner(s) of the property approved for conversion shall 
not change its use to another use not authorized under the Conversion Order without 
prior consent from the DAR. This prohibition extends to changes in housing 


 
34 
standards, changes in selling schemes, changes from social housing to open market 
housing or vice-versa, and all other similar changes. Violation of which shall be 
penalized with revocation of Conversion Order and forfeiture of cash bond. 
 
SEC. 65. Payment of Disturbance Compensation. - Payment of disturbance 
compensation shall be provided to those working on the land affected by agricultural 
land use conversion. 
 
SEC. 66. Setting of Fines. - The amount of fines for all violations under this Act 
shall be determined by the NLUC. 
 
 
CHAPTER IX 
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 67. Convening of the NLUC. - Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity 
of this Act, the NLUC shall be convened by the Secretary of NEDA as the Council 
Chair. 
 
SEC. 68. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the NLUC shall promulgate the rules and regulations to 
implement the provisions of this Act. The said rules and regulations shall be 
submitted to the Congressional Oversight Committee for approval upon compliance 
with publication requirements. 
 
SEC. 69. Congressional Oversight Committee on the Land Use Act. - There is 
hereby created a Congressional Oversight Committee composed of seven (7) members 
each from the Senate and House of Representatives to be appointed by the Senate 
President and the House Speaker. 
 
The Oversight Committee shall, in aid of legislation, review the 
implementation of this Act, especially the applicability of the sanctions and penalties, 
at least once in every 6 years and as often as it may deem necessary. 
 
The secretariat of the Oversight Committee shall be drawn from the existing 
secretariat personnel of the committees comprising the oversight and the funding 
shall be taken from the appropriations of both the House of Representatives and the 
Senate. 
 
SEC. 70. Appropriations. - The appropriations for the National Land Use 
Committee under NEDA under the current General Appropriations Act (GAA) shall 
be used to carry out the initial operations of NLUC. Thereafter, additional sums as 
may be necessary for the full implementation of NLUC's function shall be included in 
the annual GAA. 
 
SEC. 71. Review of Existing Land Use Plans. - Provinces, cities, and 
municipalities with existing land use plans shall review, revise, reconcile, and 


 
35 
harmonize the same with the revised guidelines and standards set forth under this 
Section 10 of this Act within three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act. 
 
SEC. 72. Repealing Clause. -  All republic acts, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, that are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Republic Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 73. Non-impairment Clause. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to 
diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or available to marginalized or 
basic sectors under existing laws including but not limited to RA Nos. 7076, 7160, 7279, 
7586 as amended by RA 11038, 7942, 8371, 8550, and 6657 as amended by RA 7881 and 
9700, RA 9729, and RA 10121. 
 
SEC. 74. Separability Clause. - If for any reason or reasons, any part or 
provision of this Act shall be declared or held to be unconstitutional or invalid other 
parts or provisions hereof, which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full 
force and effect. 
 
SEC. 75. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,