L r
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
F/rst Regular Session 
)
i!V t
S. No.
SENATE
287
2b JIJL-9 P2 50
\
U
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
AN ACT
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL LAND USE POLICY, PROVIDING THE 
IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines faces an urgent challenge of managing its limited land resources 
amid a growing population and competing demands for food, housing, infrastructure, 
natural resources, and vital ecosystems. The absence of a comprehensive National 
Land Use Plan (NLUP) has led to disorganized development, irreversible loss of prime 
agricultural lands, severe environmental degradation, exacerbated social inequality, 
and heightened vulnerability to disasters. This uncoordinated approach undermines 
sustainable growth, food security, and poverty reduction.
Numerous studies and findings underscore the critical importance of a national 
land use framework. For instance, a 2017 study by the Philippine Institute of 
Development Studies (PIDS) highlighted that "uncontrolled urban expansion and 
conversion of agricultural lands continue without a guiding national framework, 
leading to inefficient land use patterns and increased disaster risks.1" Similarly, the 
Climate Change Commission has consistently emphasized that without proper land use 
planning, communities remain highly exposed to the impacts of climate change, with
1 Bravo, Marideth R.( PIDS, "Urbanization in the Philippines and Its Influence on Agriculture," Published in 2017. Available at 
erp-p.pids.gov.ph/publicati on/public/Vi ew?slug=urbanization-in-the-philippines-and-its-influence-on- 
agriculture# :~:text=The%20process%20of%20urbanization%20resulted,use%20conversion%20inevitable%20in%20cities. 
Accessed on July 7, 2025.
1


vulnerable populations disproportionately affected in terms of food, shelter, and water 
security.2
The proposed National Land Use Act aims to establish a scientific, rational, and 
integrated framework for the planning and managing land resources. It seeks to 
ensure optimal, equitable, and sustainable land use, balancing economic 
development, environmental protection, and social justice. By defining clear policies, 
setting up institutional mechanisms, and promoting stakeholder involvement, this Act 
will guide the nation towards a resilient, prosperous, and sustainably future, where 
land serves the collective well-being of Filipinos.
Given the rising population and dwindling resources, land conflicts are inevitable, 
often disadvantaging the poor. Climate change further exacerbates these issues, 
threatening food, shelter, and water, especially for vulnerable communities. 
Therefore, it is crucial to institutionalize a comprehensive land use policy to ensure 
the sustainable use of our country's land and physical resources, and harmonize 
existing laws to build resilience against natural disasters and climate change.
In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS^ PANGILINAN
Sehator
2 Climate Change Commission, "CCC on Desertification and Drought Day: Behavioral Change and Policy Interventions are Keys 
to Sustainable Land Management." Published on June 16, 2020. Available at
httDs://climate.aov.Dh/news/254#:~:text=Given%20these%20fiQures%2C%20the%20climate.use%20DlanninQ%20in%20the
%20countrv. Accessed on July 7, 2025.


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 287
25 JIJL-9 P 2 SO
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
AN ACT
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL LAND USE POLICY, PROVIDING THE 
IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
CHAPTER I
2 
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
3 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known and cited as the "National Land Use
4 
Act of2025."
5 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Principles and Policies. - All lands of the public domain,
6 
waters, minerals, coal, petroleum, and other mineral oils, all forces of potential energy,
7 
fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, fora and fauna, and other natural resources are
8 
owned by the state. With the exception of agricultural lands, all other natural
9 
resources shall not be alienated.
10 
Pursuant to the constitutional provision or mandate, it is the policy of the State
11 
to provide for a rational, holistic, and just allocation, utilization, management, and
12 
development of the country's land to ensure their optimum use, consistent with the
13 
principle of sustainable development.
14 
The State shall recognize the need for rational, optimal and sustainable
15 
settlements development, consistent with the principles of environmental
16 
management and equitable access to land and security.


1 
Toward this end, the State shall institutionalize land use and physical planning
2 
as mechanisms for identifying, determining, and evaluating appropriate land use and
3 
allocation patterns that promote and ensure:
4 
a) 
Sustainable management and utilization of natural resources;
5 
b) 
Maintenance and preservation of environmental integrity and stability
6 
specifically the perpetual protection of permanent forests and watershed
7 
for the attainment of food, water and energy sufficiency;
8 
c) 
Disaster risk-reduction and climate change resiliency;
9 
d) 
Protection of prime agricultural lands for food security in basic commodities
10 
with emphasis on self-sufficiency in rice and corn;
11 
e) 
Water security through sustainable development and management of water
12 
resources towards water security;
13 
f) 
Settlements, transportation and infrastructure development in support of
14 
urban, rural and regional development and inclusive growth;
15 
g) 
Harmony between the rights and the varied interests of every Filipino within
16 
the framework of people empowerment, decentralization, social justice,
17 
and equity;
18 
h) 
Respect for and protection of the sustainable traditional resource rights of
19 
the Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/ IPs) to
20 
their ancestral domains to ensure their economic, social, and cultural well-
21 
being as well as recognition of the applicability of customary laws and
22 
sustainable traditional resource use and management, knowledge, and
23 
practices in ancestral domains in compliance with free and prior informed
24 
consent of ICC/ IPs;
25 
i) 
Protection of the rights of basic sectors to equitable access to the country's
26 
land;
27 
j) 
Protection, preservation, and development of the Filipino historical, cultural
28 
and built cultural heritage and resources for the deeper understanding of
29 
our history and culture as a people;
30 
k) 
Attainment of energy security and self-sufficiency; and
31 
I) 
Market orientation where the interplay of market forces and fair trade
32 
within the framework of ecological development and equity consideration
2


1 
is encouraged and adopted as the basic parameter in achieving efficiency
2 
in iand use and allocation.
3 
It is also the policy of the State to ensure that local government units (LGUs)
4 
share with the national government the responsibility of managing and maintaining
5 
ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction as stated in the 1987 Constitution
6 
and the 1991 Local Government Code (LGC) or Republic Act 7160.
7 
Guided by the principle that the use of land bears a social function and that all
8 
economic agents shall contribute to the common good, landowners, land tenure
9 
holders, in the case of forestlands, be it an individual, communal, corporate or group
10 
shall be held responsible for developing and conserving their lands thereby making
11 
their lands productive and supportive of environmental stability.
12 
Sec. 3. Scope. - This Act shall apply to all lands whether public, private,
13 
government-owned, and/or in the possession of individuals, communities, indigenous
14 
people, or groups of people, to provide for a rational, holistic, and just allocation,
15 
development and management of land including such activities that bear impact on
16 
said resources.
17 
CHAPTER II
18 
DEFINITIONS
19 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in and for purposes of this Act, the
20 
foilowing terms shail mean:
21 
a) 
Agricuiturai iand shail refer to land of public domain which have been
22 
devoted to agricuiturai activity as defined in Republic Act No. 6657, as
23 
amended and not further classified for residentiai, commerciai or industrial
24 
use and such other uses as may be provided by law;
25 
b) 
Agricuiturai iand use conversion shall refer to the undertaking of any
26 
deveiopment activity which modifies or aiters the physical characteristics of
27 
agricultural lands to render them suitable for non-agricultural purposes with
28 
an approved order of conversion issued exclusively by the Department of
29 
Agrarian Reform (DAR);
30 
c) 
Aiienabie and disposabie (A&D) iandsshdW refer to lands of the public
31 
domain which have been delineated, classified, and certified as open and


1 
available for disposition under the provisions of Commonwealth Act No.
2 
141, otherwise known as the "Public Land Act," as amended;
3 
d) 
Ancestral domains shall refer to all areas generally belonging to ICCs/ IPs
4 
as defined in Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the "Indigenous
5 
Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1998;"
6 
e) 
Basic Sector s\\d\\ refer to a group of people not referring to any organized
7 
groups such as but not limited to women, youth, elderly, differently-abled,
8 
peasants and fisher folk;
9 
f) 
"Basic Shelter" sha 11 refer to any subdivision unit, housing unit or
10 
condominium satisfying the barest minimum shelter requirements under
11 
the minimum design standards of Batas Pambansa Big. 220;
12 
g) 
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) shall refer to a document embodying
13 
a set of policies and guidelines, accompanied by official maps and similar
14 
illustrations, that serves as principal basis for determining the future land
15 
use of lands and natural resources for production and protection purpose
16 
within the territorial jurisdiction of the city or municipality. It represents the
17 
community-desired pattern of population distribution and proposes future
18 
allocation of land resources to various land-using activities. It identifies the
19 
allocation, character, and extent of the areas of land resources to be used
20 
for different purposes and includes the processes and the criteria employed
21 
in the determination of the land use. It has a long-term perspective,
22 
encompassing a minimum of ten (10) years;
23 
h) 
Comprehensive land use planning shall refer to the act of defining the
24 
allocation, utilization, development and management of all lands within a
25 
given territory or jurisdiction according to the inherent characteristic of the
26 
land itself and supportive of sustainable, economic, demographic, socio-
27 
cultural and environmental objectives as an aid to decision-making and
28 
legislation;
29 
i) 
Coastal area/zone shall refer to a band of dry land and the adjacent ocean
30 
space (water and submerged land) in which terrestrial processes and uses
31 
directly affect oceanic processes and uses, and vice versa. Its geographic
32 
extent may include areas within a landmark limit of one (1) kilometer from
4


1 
the shoreline at high tide to include mangrove swamps, brackish water
2 
ponds, nipa swamps, estuarine rivers, sandy beaches and 
other areas
3 
within a seaward limit of 200 meters isobath to include coral reefs, algal
4 
flats, seagrass beds, and other soft-bottom areas. For purposes of initiating
5 
and implementing sustainable coastal resources protection and
6 
management, it shall include foreshore lands;
7 
j) 
Critical habitats shall refer to areas outside protected areas as defined in
8 
Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the "National Integrated
9 
Protected Areas System Act of 1992", that are known habitats of threatened
10 
species and designated as such based on scientific data taking into
11 
consideration species endemicity and/or richness, presence of human-
12 
made pressures/ threats to the survival of wildlife living in the area, among
13 
others;
14 
k) 
Critical watersheds\\b\\ refer to a drainage area of a river system supporting
15 
existing and proposed hydro-electric power, domestic water consumption,
16 
irrigation works, or existing water facilities needing immediate protection
17 
and rehabilitation to minimize erosion and improve water yield. It shall be
18 
closed for logging until it is fully rehabilitated;
19 
I) 
Cultural heritage shall refer to the totality of cultural properties preserved
20 
and developed through time and passed on for posterity;
21 
m) 
Customary laws shall refer to a body of written and/or unwritten rules,
22 
usages, customs and practices traditionally and continually recognized,
23 
accepted, and observed by respective ICCs/ IPs, consistent with the IPRA;
24 
n) 
Development plan shall refer to a document that defines the activities or
25 
measures that the national government or local government units (LGU's)
26 
intend to implement in order to achieve a defined set of development goals.
27 
It integrates the socio-economic and sectoral plans of the national
28 
government or its instrumentality or a particular LGU with land use or
29 
physical framework plans. It may include an analysis of problems and
30 
resources, definition of goals and objectives, policy guidelines, project and
31 
target achievements, and an implementation mechanism which defines the
32 
roles and contributions expected from the government and the private
5


1 
sector. Development plans include the national-level Medium-Term
2 
Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) and its counterpart plans at the
3 
regional, provincial and local levels called the Medium-Term Regional
4 
Development Plan (MTRDP), the Provincial Physical Framework and
5 
Development Plan (PPFDP) and the Comprehensive Development Plan
6 
(CDP). These plans are translated into medium-term investment programs,
7 
also prepared at the national, regional and local levels, where programs,
8 
projects and activities derived from the development plans are ranked,
9 
prioritized, and matched with investment financing capacities;
10 
0) 
Ecologically-fragile lands shall refer to lands within the critical watershed,
11 
brackish and freshwater wetlands, pasture lands, and croplands which
12 
require rehabilitation and whose continued unsustainable use would
13 
adversely affect the productivity of lowland agricultural areas and the
14 
stability of the upland ecosystem;
15 
p) 
Ecotourism shall refer to sustainable tourism or travel to a given natural
16 
area with exotic or threatened ecosystems or a heritage area to observe
17 
wildlife or to help preserve nature, in the process providing for community
18 
participation, protection and management of natural resources, culture and
19 
indigenous knowledge systems and practices, environmental education and
20 
ethics, as well as economic benefits fostered and pursued for the
21 
enrichment of host communities and the satisfaction of visitors;
22 
q) 
Energy resource lands shall refer to lands where naturally occurring or
23 
indigenous energy resources exist in sufficient quantity or quality as to be
24 
economically viable for exploration, development, production, utilization,
25 
and distribution process;
26 
r) 
Energy resources shall refer to surface or subsurface substances that serve
27 
as energy sources. These are traditionally mineral fuel deposits such as
28 
coal, petroleum, natural gas or renewable resources from geothermal,
29 
hydro reservoirs, or non-conventional sources such as ocean waves, solar,
30 
wind, biomass, and other similar resources which serve the same purpose;
31 
s) 
Environmentally critical areas shall refer to areas declared by law as: (a)
32 
protected areas pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586 or the NIPAS Act of
6


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t)
U)
V)
w)
1992; (b) areas for natural parks, watershed reserves, wildlife preserves, 
and sanctuaries; (c) areas set aside as aesthetic potential tourist spots; (d) 
areas which constitute the habitat of any endangered or threatened species 
or indigenous Philippine wildlife (flora and fauna); (e) areas of unique 
historic, archaeological, or scientific interests; (0 areas which are 
traditionally occupied by ICCs/ IPs; (g) areas with critical slopes; (h) areas 
exposed to geologic and hydro-meteorological hazards; (i) prime 
agricultural lands; (j) recharge areas of aquifers; (k) water bodies; (I) 
mangrove areas; (m) coral reefs; (n) mossy and old-growth forests; (o) 
rivers and river banks; (p) swamp forest and marshlands; and (q) foreshore 
lands. This term shall also include other terrestrial, aquatic and marine 
areas that need special protection and conservation measures because they 
are ecologically fragile, or they are needed for food security and food self- 
sufficiency as determined by concerned agencies and LCDs in consultation 
with the concerned sectors;
Estuary shd\\ refer to a wetland type where the river mouth widens into a 
marine ecosystem, the salinity of which is intermediate between salt and 
freshwater where tidal action is an important biophysical regulator; 
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 as certified by the Department of Energy; 
Exhausted mineral lands shall refer to specific sites whose mineral deposits 
are no longer in sufficient quantity or quality to justify additional 
expenditure for their extraction and utilization as may be determined by 
the latest technology available;
Exhausted mineral resources shall refer to a situation where the mineral 
resources in specific sites are no longer in sufficient quantity or quality to 
justify additional expenditure for extraction or utilization as determined by 
the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and approved by the DENR;


1 
x) 
Flood plain shall refer to the portion of a river valley adjacent to a river
2 
channel which is covered with water when river overflows its banks at flood
3 
stages. The plain usually consists of silt deposited by the stream;
4 
y) 
Flood-prone areas shall refer to low lying areas usually adjacent to large
5 
or active water bodies and therefore experience regular or seasonal
6 
inundation as a result of changes in the mean water level of these bodies
7 
or because of land reclamation and other artificial interference with the
8 
natural processes;
9 
z) 
Food security shall refer to the policy objective of meeting the food
10 
availability, accessibility, quality and affordability requirements of the
11 
present and future generations of Filipinos in a sustainable manner,
12 
through local production or importation, only when there is shortage
13 
established based on a micro level situation, or both, based on the country's
14 
existing and potential resource endowments and related production
15 
advantages, and consistent with the overall national development
16 
objectives and policies;
17 
aa) 
Food self-sufficiency s\\d\\ refer to the policy objective of meeting the food
18 
requirements through intensive local food production in a sustainable
19 
manner based on the country's existing and potential resource endowments
20 
and related production advantages;
21 
bb) 
Forestlands shall refer to lands of the public domain classified and/or
22 
determined as needed. They include all permanent forests or forest
23 
reserves, forest reservations and all remaining unclassified lands of the
24 
public domain;
25 
cc) 
Foreshore land shall refer to the part of the shore which is alternately
26 
covered and uncovered by the ebb and flow of the tide;
27 
dd) 
Free and Prior Informed Consent refers to consensus of all members of
28 
the ICCs/ IPs to be determined in accordance with their respective
29 
customary laws and practices, free from any external manipulation,
30 
interference and coercion, and obtained after fully disclosing the intent and
31 
scope of the activity, in a language and process understandable to the
32 
community;
8


1 
ee) 
Geo-hazards shall refer to natural and human-induced geological processes
2 
that have potential to cause destruction and pose a threat or risk to human
3 
life and property;
4 
ff) 
Geo-hazard prone areas shall refer to areas frequently visited and/or
5 
vulnerable or prone to experience weather/ climatic, hydrologic, geologic,
6 
and other natural calamities;
7 
gg) 
Heritage Zones shd\\ refer to historical, anthropological, archaeological and
8 
artistic geographical areas and settings that are culturally significant to the
9 
country as declared by the National Museum and/or National Historical
10 
Commission of the Philippines, pursuant to R.A. No. 10066 or the National
11 
Cultural Heritage Act of 2009;
12 
hh) 
Illegal agricultural land conversion shall refer to any activity that modifies
13 
or alters the physical characteristics of agricultural lands to render them
14 
suitable for non-agricultural purposes without an approved order of
15 
conversion from the DAR Secretary;
16 
ii) 
Improvements shall refer to all types of buildings and residential units,
17 
walls, fences, structures or construction of all kinds of fixed character or
18 
are adhered to the soil but shall not include trees, plants, growing fruits,
19 
and other fixtures that are mere super impositions on the land, and the
20 
value of improvements shall not be less than fifty percent (50%) of the
21 
assessed value of the property;
22 
jj) 
Inclusive growth refers to ensuring that the economic opportunities created
23 
by growth are available to all, particularly the poor, to the maximum
24 
possible extent;
25 
kk) 
Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/ IPs) shall
26 
refer to groups of people or homogenous societies identified under Republic
27 
Act No. 8371 or the "Indigenous People's Rights Act (IPRA)";
28 
II) 
Indigenous energy resources shall refer to energy resources, which
29 
originate or occur naturally in the Philippines;
30 
mm) 
Inland watersshd\\ refer to waters, which are not coastal and marine waters
31 
not subject to acquisitive prescription consistent with the provisions of


1 
Presidential Decree No. 1067, otherwise known as the "Water Code of the
2 
Philippines";
3 
nn) 
Inter-tidal sand flat shall refer to a juvenile fish-feeding area and habitat
4 
for crustaceans. The littoral gravel and sand biotopes are also used by
5 
important wintering ground and roosting/ feeding grounds of indigenous
6 
migratory birds;
7 
oo) 
Integrated watershed management shall refer to a planning strategy or
8 
program for watershed areas that complement environmentally-sound soil
9 
and water management practices with mechanisms for ensuring greater
10 
responsibility, involvement, or participation of individuals, groups,
11 
communities and other stakeholders benefiting from these areas and
12 
water-related infrastructure;
13 
pp) 
Key biodiversity areas shall refer to sites that are nationally and globally
14 
significant for biodiversity conservation primarily containing species that
15 
require site-scale conservation to prevent extinction in the short-term and
16 
medium-term. Such species may be nationally and globally threatened,
17 
restricted-range and/or nationally and globally significant congregations of
18 
species;
19 
qq) 
Lagoon shall refer to a semi-enclosed coastal basin with limited freshwater
20 
input, high salinity and restricted circulation which often lies behind sand
21 
dunes. It is often highly productive and habitat for variety of plants and
22 
animal, serves as nurseries of prawns and shrimps and also site for harbor,
23 
aquaculture, industry and recreation;
24 
rr) 
Land shall refer to resources, both natural and man-made, found on the
25 
surface, below, and above the ground including inland waters and the air
26 
therein;
27 
ss) 
Land use shall refer to the manner of utilization of land, including its
28 
allocation, development, and management;
29 
tt) 
Land use classification shall refer to the act of delineating or allocating lands
30 
according to protection land use, production land use, settlements
31 
development, and infrastructure development as defined and provided for
32 
in this Act;
10


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uu) Land sub-classification shall refer to the act of determining and assigning 
specific uses of classified lands of the public domain, such as forest or 
timber lands, alienable or disposable agricultural lands, national parks, and 
mineral lands in accordance with existing laws and this Act; 
w) Mandator/ public hearings/ consultations shall refer to the mechanism to 
ensure the active participation of concerned sectors in all affected areas in 
land use planning from the local to the national level. It involves giving 
effective notice of hearing/ consultation to concerned sectors within an 
affected area through direct written invitations, using regular mail or 
electronic means, and publication/ posting in conspicuous places, conduct 
of a reasonable number of hearings in or proximate to the specific area 
affected, and solicitation of positions and the public presentation and public 
confirmation of the planning results in the specific area affected before the 
final adoption of the plans;
ww) Minerals shall refer to all naturally occurring inorganic substance in solid, 
gas, liquid or intermediate state excluding energy materials such as coal, 
petroleum, natural gas, radioactive materials and geothermal energy; 
xx) Mineral exploration shall refer to the systematic searching or prospecting 
for mineral resources;
yy) Mineral lands shall refer to lands where mineral resources are found; 
zz) Mineral resources shall refer to any concentration of minerals/ rocks with 
potential economic value;
aaa) Mudfiat shd\\ refer to a wetland type that is usually an unvegetated area, 
dominated by muddy substrate which provides rich feeding grounds for 
vertebrates such as fish and water birds and also important in preventing 
soil erosion;
bbb) National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) shall refer to the 
classification and administration of all designated protected areas to 
maintain essential ecological processes and life-support systems, to 
preserve genetics diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found 
therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest extent 
possible;
11


1 
ccc) 
National Land Use Commission (NLUC) shall refer to the highest land use
2 
policy making body created under Section 14 of this Act;
3 
ddd) 
National Parks shall refer to a forest reservation essentially of natural
4 
wilderness character which has been withdrawn from settlement,
5 
occupancy or any form of exploitation except in conformity with approved
6 
management plan and set aside as such exclusively to conserve the area
7 
or preserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects, wild animals and
8 
plants therein and to provide enjoyment of these features in such areas;
9 
eee) 
National physical framework plan shall refer to an indicative plan containing
10 
the policy areas promoting the most appropriate and rational use of land
11 
and other physical resources such as but not limited to protection,
12 
production, settlement and infrastructure land use. It provides policy
13 
guidelines for all decisions relating to land use and environmental
14 
management, to prevent and mitigate the adverse effects of inappropriate
15 
resource utilization on the country's food security and food self-sufficiency
16 
on rice and corn, the people's welfare and their environment. It embodies
17 
both policies and strategies necessary to carry out goals and objectives of
18 
this Act;
19 
fff) 
Network of Protected Areas for Agriculture and Agro-industrial
20 
Development (NPAAAD) shall refer to agricultural areas identified by the
21 
Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Soils and Water
22 
Management (BSWM) in coordination with the National Mapping and
23 
Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) in order to ensure the efficient
24 
utilization of land for agriculture and agro-industrial development and
25 
promote sustainable growth. The NPAAAD covers all irrigated areas, all
26 
irrigable lands already covered by irrigation projects with firm funding
27 
commitments, all alluvial plains, land highly suitable for agriculture whether
28 
irrigated or not, agro-industrial croplands or lands planted to industrial
29 
crops that support the validity of existing agricultural infrastructure and
30 
agro-based enterprises, highlands or areas located at an elevation of five
31 
hundred (500) meters or above and have the potential for growing semi-
32 
temperate and high value crops, all agricultural lands that are ecologically
12


1 
fragile the conversion of which will result in serious environmental
2 
degradation, and all mangrove areas and fish sanctuaries;
3 
ggg) 
Non-agricultural land use conversion shall refer to the act of changing the
4 
current use of a piece of non-agricultural land into some other uses;
5 
hhh) 
Non-government organization shall refer to a private and non-profit
6 
voluntary organization which is committed to the task of political, socio-
7 
economic, physical, cultural and environmental development and
8 
established primarily to provide service to marginalized sectors in these
9 
areas;
10 
Hi) 
Patrimonial properties refer to all the properties belonging to the State that
11 
are not intended for public use or for public service for the development of
12 
national wealth;
13 
jii) 
People's organization shall refer to a private, non-profit, voluntary and
14 
community-based organization with membership constituency established
15 
primarily to provide service to its members and the community in general;
16 
kkk) 
Physical framework plans shall refer to indicative plans based on
17 
comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs) and national policies whether
18 
national, regional, or provincial which provide policy guidelines for all
19 
decisions relating to land use and environmental management to prevent
20 
or mitigate the adverse effects of inappropriate resource utilization on food
21 
security, the people's welfare and their environment, it embodies both
22 
policies and strategies necessary to carry out development goals and
23 
objectives;
24 
III) 
Premature or illegal conversion of agricultural lands shall refer to any
25 
activity that modifies or alters the physical characteristics of agricultural
26 
lands to render them suitable for non-agricultural purposes without an
27 
approved order of conversion from the DAR Secretary;
28 
mmm) Prime agricultural lands shall refer to all irrigated areas; all irrigable lands
29 
already covered by irrigation projects with firm funding commitments; all
30 
rainfed areas planted to rice and other crops; all alluvial plain lands highly
31 
suitable for agriculture whether irrigated or not, agro-industrial croplands
32 
or lands presently planted to industrial crops that support the viability of
13


1 
existing agricultural infrastructure and agro-based enterprises, highlands,
2 
or areas located at elevation of 500 meters or above and have the potential
3 
for growing semi-temperate and high value crops; all agricultural lands that
4 
are ecologically fragile, the conversion of which will result in serious
5 
environmental degradation, and mangrove areas and fish sanctuaries;
6 
nnn) 
Production land use shall refer to the direct and indirect utilization of land
7 
to generate outputs resulting from the following activities, but not limited
8 
to: agricultural, fish, farming or aquaculture, timber production, agro-
9 
forestry, grazing and pasture, mining, indigenous energy resource
10 
development, industry, and tourism;
11 
ooo) 
Protected areas shall refer to portions of land set aside by reason of their
12 
unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological
13 
diversity, and protected against destructive human exploitation. For
14 
purposes of this Act, it shall include agricultural lands identified and
15 
delineated under Section 29 hereof;
16 
ppp) 
Protection land use shall refer to the utilization of land primarily for food,
17 
water and energy security, rehabilitation, conservation, and protection
18 
purposes for the promotion of the country's ecological and life-support
19 
systems;
20 
qqq) 
Public domain shall refer to lands that belong to the State which may be
21 
any of the following: agricultural, forest or timber, mineral, or national park
22 
as provided for in the Constitution;
23 
rrr) 
Public lands shall refer to lands which have not been subject to private
24 
property rights or subject to sale or other modes of acquisition or
25 
concession under the general laws, and are devoted to public use;
26 
sss) 
Reclassification of agricultural lands shall refer to the act of specifying how
27 
agricultural lands shall be utilized for non-agricultural uses such as
28 
residential, industrial, or commercial purposes through the local planning
29 
and zoning processes pursuant to Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local
30 
Government Code of 1991 and subject to the requirements and procedure
31 
for conversion. It is equivalent to land sub-classification, as defined in this
14


1 
Act for classified lands of the public domain and also includes the reversion
2 
of non-agricultural lands to agricultural use;
3 
ttt) 
Resettlement sites shall refer to areas identified by the appropriate national
4 
agency or by the local government unit, with respect to areas within its
5 
jurisdiction which shall be used for the relocation of the underprivileged
6 
and homeless, as defined under Republic Act No. 7279 or the "Urban
7 
Development and Housing Act (UDHA)";
8 
uuu) River basin shall refer to the portion of land drained by a river and its
9 
tributaries. It encompasses the entire land surface dissected and drained
10 
by many streams and creeks that flow downhill into one another, and
11 
eventually into one river. The final destination is an estuary or an ocean;
12 
vw) 
Settlements shall refer to formal and informal communities or built-up
13 
residential areas where people prefer to live in land areas classified, zoned,
14 
or converted for current or future residential or housing development
15 
purposes, including socialized housing zones for the homeless and
16 
underprivileged citizens;
17 
WWW) Settlements developments\\aW refer to any improvement on existing formal
18 
or informal residential or housing settlements or any proposed development
19 
of certain areas for residential or mass housing settlement purposes. It also
20 
involves the spatial distribution of population, identification of the roles and
21 
functions of key urban centers, determination of relationships among
22 
settlement areas, and the provision of basic services and facilities of
23 
identified major residential or housing settlement areas or growth centers.
24 
It is also concerned with the interrelationship of settlements as they
25 
develop and establish functional linkages based on their respective resource
26 
endowments and comparative advantages;
27 
xxx) 
Shoreline shall refer to the line where shore and water meet;
28 
yyy) 
Significant caves shall refer to caves which contain materials or possess
29 
features that have archaeological, cultural, ecological, historical or scientific
30 
value as determined by the Department of Environment and Natural
31 
Resources (DENR) in coordination with the scientific community and the
32 
academe;
15


1 
zzz) Socialized housing shall refer to housing programs and projects undertaken
2 
by the government or the private sector for the underprivileged and
3 
homeless citizens which shall include sites and services development, long-
4 
term financing, iiberaiized terms on interest payments, and such other
5 
benefits in accordance with the DOHA;
6 
aaaa) Socialized housing zones shall refer to lands identified and designated by
7 
locai government units as sites for socialized housing, pursuant to Article
8 
IV of Republic Act No. 7279 or the UDHA, and its implementing guidelines.
9 
It shall include areas that are presently occupied by the urban poor, as weil
10 
as those identified as resettlement areas as defined herein;
11 
bbbb) Sustainable development shall refer to the development objective of
12 
meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the
13 
ability of future generations to meet their own needs consistent with the
14 
principles of social equity, efficiency, and environmental integrity;
15 
cccc) Stakeholder shaii refer to an individual, social group or organization that
16 
has a direct or indirect interest in an activity, project, resources, or decision;
17 
dddd) Tourism development areas shall refer to specific sites for tourism
18 
deveiopment located in areas identified as priorities in the national,
19 
regional, and inter-regional area specific tourism master plans and other
20 
sector plans such as eco-tourism and agri-tourism sites, including those
21 
designated through legislative and executive issuances such as tourist
22 
spots, tourist zones and tourism ecozones which can be developed into
23 
tourism estates or integrated resort, leisure, and recreation complexes, and
24 
other tourism related facilities;
25 
eeee) Tourism Enterprise Zone refers to an area designated as tourism enterprise
26 
zone by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority pursuant
27 
to the provisions of RA 9593 otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009;
28 
ffff) Tourism estates shall refer to large tracts of land with well-defined
29 
boundaries in any area identified in the Philippine tourism master pian and
30 
regional tourism master plan, by proclamation of the President and/or by
31 
an act of Congress including local legislation. Such land shall be suitable for
32 
the development of an integrated tourism and resort complex including but
16


1 
not limited to accommodation facilities, food and beverage outlets,
2 
convention and meeting areas, sports, recreational and leisure centers and
3 
commercial outlets among others. It shall be provided with roads, water
4 
supply facilities, power and utilities like potable water, drainage sewerage
5 
disposal, solid waste disposal system and other necessary infrastructure.
6 
The estate shall be under one unified and continuous management;
7 
9999) Tourist spot shall refer to a particular area/site/ spot, human-made or
8 
natural, known for its unique tourist/ visitor-drawing attributes and
9 
activities. It may be classified according to its social, cultural, natural,
10 
historical, scientific, religious, and recreational significance;
11 
hhhh) Tourist zone shd\\ refer to a geographic area with well-defined boundaries
12 
proclaimed as such by the President of the Philippines and/or by acts of
13 
Congress. No development projects for any purpose shall be initiated and
14 
introduced within the zone prior to the formulation of a tourism master
15 
development plan which shall be undertaken in coordination with the
16 
Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Infrastructure and
17 
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). A tourist zone is established for the
18 
enhancement and/or the conservation of cultural and historical heritage
19 
and for the appreciation and enjoyment of the local population and its
20 
visitors;
21 
iiii) 
Urban areas shall refer to all cities regardless of their population density
22 
and to municipalities with population density of at least Five hundred (500)
23 
persons per square kilometer;
24 
jjjj) 
Urbanizabie areas shall refer to sites and lands which, considering present
25 
characteristics and prevailing conditions, display marked and great
26 
potential of becoming urban areas within a period of five (5) years;
27 
kkkk) Urban forestry or Green Space shall refer to the establishment and
28 
management of forest in urban environment for the physiological and
29 
psychological well-being of the people;
30 
IIII) 
Water security shall refer to the sufficient access throughout the year to
31 
the minimum daily requirement of clean water to maintain a healthy life;
17


1 
mmmm) Water use shall refer to the appropriation of water for domestic,
2 
municipal, irrigation, power generation, inland fisheries, poultry and
3 
livestock raising, industrial and commercial, environmental, and
4 
recreational use and other purposes;
5 
nnnn) Watershed shall refer to a land area drained by a stream or fixed body of
6 
water and its tributaries having a common outlet for surface runoff;
7 
oooo) Zoning shall refer to the process of delineating the specific uses of lands in
8 
accordance with the approved Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) within
9 
the territorial jurisdiction of a city/ municipality and specifying the
10 
conditions for their regulation; subject to the limitations imposed by law
11 
and competent authority; and,
12 
PPPP) Zoning ordinance orZOshd\\ refer to a local law passed by the Sangguniang
13 
Bayan or PangiunsodB'Q^roV\ng the development control/ zoning plan in
14 
accordance with an approved or adopted CLUP for the city/ municipality,
15 
and providing for the regulations and other conditions on the uses of land
16 
including the limitation on the infrastructure that may be placed thereon
17 
within the territorial jurisdiction of a city or municipality. It incorporates the
18 
protected areas under Section 13(a) and the protected agricultural lands
19 
under Section 29 of this Act.
20 
CHAPTER III
21 
PHYSICAL FRAMEWORK AND LAND USE PLANS
22 
Sec. 5. NationaiLand Use Pianning Process. - The land use and physical planning
23 
process shall be formulated following a combined bottom-up and top-down approach.
24 
The National Land Use Commission (NLUC) shall draft the National Physical
25 
Framework Plan (NPFP) which shall have a timeframe of thirty (30) years, with regular
26 
review and updating every ten (10) years. The NPFP, which guides the planning and
27 
management of the country's land and other physical resources at the national and
28 
sub-national levels, shall indicate broad spatial directions and policy guidelines on
29 
settlements development, production land use, protection land use, social services
30 
and utilities, and transportation and communication. The Regional Physical Framework
31 
Plans (RPFPs), Provincial Physical Framework and Development Plans (PPFDPs), and
32 
Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs), which shall also have a 30-year timeframe
18


1 
and cover the physical development of their respective territories, shall be consistent
2 
with the national physical framework plan: Provided, That the integration and
3 
harmonization of the physical framework plans at all levels shall be iterative to ensure
4 
that the concerns of both top and bottom levels of government are considered. The
5 
physical and land use plans prepared at all levels shall have internal consistency
6 
specifically on, but not limited to, the development, management and conservation of
7 
forestlands found within a given territory and the linkages of the major land use
8 
categories to ensure their complementation in the utilization, development and
9 
management of resources.
10 
The NLUC shall issue procedural guidelines which shall guide the formulation and
11 
integration/ harmonization process: Provided, That NEDA, HLURB, DILG and other
12 
agencies will continue to issue guidelines on the content of the plans consistent with
13 
their respective agency mandates.
14 
Sec. 6. City and Municipal Land Use Plans. - The City/ Municipal Planning and
15 
Development Office (C/MPDO), in consultation with concerned sectors through
16 
mandatory conduct of public hearings, shall prepare the CLUP to determine the
17 
specific uses of land and other physical resources therein including areas co-managed
18 
with the national government and, as appropriate, the ancestral domain areas. The
19 
CLUP shall be consistent with the PPFDP and shall define the city/ municipal
20 
development vision, appropriate economic, environmental and social development
21 
policies, densities and transportation system.
22 
The CLUP may be formulated as a component of a Comprehensive Land Use and
23 
Development Plan (CLUDP), which merges the traditionally separate CLUP and
24 
comprehensive development plan to address the disconnect between spatial and
25 
sectoral factors and to ensure the complementation between the medium-and long-
26 
term concerns.
27 
The CLUP shall be translated into a zoning ordinance by the
28 
conze.me(^ Sanggunian to regulate the uses of land, including the limitations on
29 
height, density and bulk of buildings and other infrastructure that may be placed
30 
thereon.
31 
Sec. 7. Provincial Physical Framework and Development Plans (PPFDP). - In
32 
consultation with concerned sectors, the Provincial Planning and Development Office
19


1 
(PPDO) shall prepare a Provincial Physical Framework and Development Plan (PPFDP)
2 
which shall define the province's development vision, economic and social
3 
development policies, general land uses, and inter-city/ municipal transportation
4 
system. The PPFDP shall harmonize the land use plans of component cities and
5 
municipalities, taking into consideration shared resources and planning concerns, and
6 
define the uses of land and other resources within the province consistent with the
7 
policies in the regional physical framework plan. The programs, projects and activities
8 
prescribed in the PPFDP shall be integrated into the provincial development investment
9 
program. The PPDO shall submit the PPFDP to the Provincial Land Use Policy Council
10 
(PLUPC), created under Section 20 of this Act, for review and endorsement
11 
to Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which shall adopt the same pursuant to Section 468 (2)
12 
(vii) of RA 7160 or the Local Government Code.
13 
Sec. 8. Regional Physical Framework Plans. - In consultation with concerned
14 
sectors, the Regional Land Use Policy Council (RLUPC) shall define the desired spatial
15 
arrangement of land-using activities in the entire region, consolidating and
16 
harmonizing the provincial physical framework plans of provinces and independent
17 
cities within the territorial jurisdiction of the region. The regional physical framework
18 
plan, which depicts an end-state scenario toward which efforts and activities are
19 
directed, shall consist of spatially-based and area-focused policies, consistent with
20 
those in the national framework for physical planning, to guide detailed physical, socio-
21 
economic, sectoral and investment planning.
22 
Sec. 9. National Physical Framework Plan. - The National Land Use Commission
23 
(NLUC) created in Section 14 herein, in consultation with the concerned sectors
24 
through the mandatory conduct of public hearings, shall formulate, periodically update
25 
and ensure the implementation of a national physical framework plan that shall
26 
prescribe and influence the country's land use and physical development. The NPFP
27 
shall operationalize the policies provided in this act and will be the basis for adopting
28 
land use and physical planning-related guidelines and standards, including zoning and
29 
other land use control standards that will guide the formulation of city/ municipal
30 
zoning ordinances.
31 
The policies prescribed in the NPFP shall be integrated into the MTPDP and
32 
Medium-Term Philippine Investment Program.
20


1 
CHAPTER IV
2 
FRAMEWORK FOR LAND USE PLANNING
3 
Sec. 10. Priorities in Land Use AHocation and Planning. - In projecting spatial
4 
allocation for different land uses, the LGUs shall first exclude areas under protection
5 
land use of Section 13(a) hereof, national parks, energy resource lands, and prime
6 
agricultural lands to ensure ecological integrity, energy supply, and promote food
7 
security. Areas with prior rights and those with site-specific resources for basic
8 
services, such as but not limited to, water and indigenous energy resources, shall also
9 
be excluded. Spatial allocation and planning shall then proceed in accordance with
10 
Sections 12 and 13 hereof with priorities given to integrated watershed management
11 
areas, socialized housing sites, fisherfolk settlement in coastal areas, and waste
12 
disposal sites.
13 
Sec. 11. Adoption of Multiple Uses of Land Resources. - The primary and
14 
alternative uses of a specific land resource shall be determined and evaluated prior to
15 
any decision for the assignment of its use. Areas feasible for sustainable land resource
16 
use may be considered multiple-use zones wherein settlements, tourism, agriculture,
17 
forestry, agro-forestry and extraction activities and other income-generating or
18 
livelihood activities may be allowed: Provided, That multiple uses of land resources
19 
shall be excluded in areas identified as protection land use: Provided, further, That
20 
such land resources shall be in accordance with priorities in land use allocation and
21 
planning and that no reclassification shall be allowed.
22 
Sec. 12. Basic Land Use Planning Considerations. - In determining the various
23 
land uses, the people and their productive activities and the need for functional open
24 
spaces and preservation areas as well as the various interrelationships of the physical
25 
characteristics of the land and other elements therein shall be considered, among
26 
others, the following:
27 
a) 
Availability of natural resources including indigenous energy resources for
28 
energy security and self-sufficiency;
29 
b) 
Geology, geomorphology, geologic hazard, climate, soil, vegetative cover,
30 
demography and slope;
31 
c) 
Economic, environmental, cultural, social and related development
32 
activities;
21


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
d) 
Existing government policies on land and natural resources allocation, 
utilization, management and disposition;
e) 
Technological changes/ advancement;
f) 
Existing customary rights for the protection of indigenous peoples and 
vulnerable groups including women and urban poor; and
g) 
Inventory of prior and existing rights, to harmonize determination of land 
use.
Sec. 13. Categories of Land Uses for Planning Purposes. - In determining and 
defining the national, regional and provincial framework plans, and CLUPs, land uses 
shall be grouped into four major functional uses as follows:
a) Protection Land Use shall refer to the use of land primarily for food, water 
and energy security, rehabilitation, conservation, and protection purposes 
for the promotion of the country's ecological and life-support systems. 
Planning for protection land use intends to achieve food self-sufficiency in 
rice and corn, water and energy security, environmental stability and 
ecological integrity, ensure a balance between resource use and the 
preservation of some areas with environmental, aesthetic, educational, 
cultural, heritage and historical significance, and protect people and 
human-made structures from the ill-effects of natural hazards. All lands, 
either public or private, under protection land use shall be permanently 
conserved, preserved, rehabilitated and protected from all other land uses, 
disposition, intrusion, utilization and development that is not consistent 
from its existing uses. Areas under this category also include those covered 
by Republic Act No. 7586 or the NIPAS Law and other coastal and marine 
protected areas, those areas outside NIPAS but nonetheless require 
protection because of their outstanding physical and aesthetic features, 
anthropological significance, and biological diversity, and those areas prone 
to natural hazards. Areas outside the coverage of the NIPAS law include, 
but are not limited to the following: 
a.l. Old-growth forests and mossy; 
a.2. 
Areas with more than 50% in slope gradient;
22


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
b)
a.3. Mangrove and fish sanctuaries, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8435 
or the "Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997" and 
Republic Act No. 8550 or "The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998"; 
a.4. Buffer zones or strips/ easements, pursuant to Presidential Decree 
No. 705, amending Presidential Decree No. 389, otherwise known 
as the "Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines" and Presidential 
Decree No. 1067 or the "Water Code of the Philippines"; 
a.5. Salvage zones along foreshore areas, freshwater swamps and 
marshes, plazas and heritage/ historic sites, pursuant to 
Presidential Decree No. 2146; 
a.6. Watersheds supporting domestic water supply; 
a.7. Utility easement like transmission lines of power companies, oil and 
gas facilities, cell sites, and domestic water lines; 
a.8. Amenity areas or those with high aesthetic values, pursuant to 
Presidential Decree No. 2146;
a.9. Natural and human-made areas/ sites of cultural, historical and 
anthropological significance, which are declared as such by 
internationally recognized organizations and concerned national 
agencies;
a. 10. Critical habitats as provided in Republic Act No. 9147 or the 
"Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act"; 
a. 11. Significant caves under Republic Act 9072 or the "National Caves 
and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act"; or 
a. 12. Key biodiversity areas under Executive Order 578 Series of 2006 or 
the "National Biodiversity Policy".
Production Land Use shall refer to the direct and indirect utilization of land 
resources for crop, fishery, livestock and poultry production, forestry, 
agroforestry, mining, industry, energy development, indigenous energy 
exploration and development, and tourism. Planning for production land 
shall determine the most efficient, sustainable, and equitable manner of 
utilizing, developing and managing land for productive purposes. Areas 
included in this category are agricultural lands, fishing grounds, coastal and
23


1 
marine zones, production forest which comprise lands 18% to 50% in slope
2 
gradient such as: residual dipterocarps, rangelands for grazing purposes,
3 
industrial tree plantation/ integrated Forest Management Agreement
4 
(IFMA), community based forest management areas and other
5 
reforestation projects, mineral lands or mining areas and reservations,
6 
energy resource lands, industrial development areas, and tourism
7 
development areas where productive activities could be undertaken to meet
8 
the country's requirements for food security, economic growth and
9 
development.
10 
c) Settlements Development shall refer to any improvement on existing
11 
settlements in urban and rural areas or any proposed development of
12 
certain areas for settlement purposes involving the spatial distribution of
13 
population, identification of the roles and functions of key urban centers,
14 
determination of relationships among settlement areas, and the provision
15 
of basic services and facilities to such settlement. The settlements
16 
development plan ensures for the present and future generation the
17 
following: i) effective integration of activities within and among
18 
settlements, allowing efficient movement of people and production of
19 
commodities through the provision of appropriate land, infrastructure, and
20 
facilities; and ii) access of the population to housing, education, health care,
21 
recreation, transportation and communication, sanitation, and basic utilities
22 
such as water, power, waste disposal, and other services.
23 
d) Infrastructure Development shall refer to the availability or supply of basic
24 
services and fostering of economic and other forms of integration necessary
25 
for producing or obtaining the material requirements of Filipinos, in an
26 
efficient, responsive, safe and ecologically friendly built environment. It
27 
covers sub-sectors of transportation, communications, water resources,
28 
and social infrastructure: Provided, That the determination of functional
29 
uses of lands within ancestral domains shall consider traditional resource
30 
and management systems that do not endanger the lives of the people and
31 
property of the local community and neighboring areas or increase the
24


1 
vulnerability of the natural environment to the effects of natural and
2 
human-induced geological processes.
3 
CHAPTER V
4 
IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE AND MECHANISMS
5 
Article 1
6 
National Land Use Commission
7 
Sec. 14. Creation of the National Land Use Commission (NLUC). - The National
8 
Land Use Commission, hereinafter referred to as NLUC, is hereby created as a
9 
Commission under the Office of the President. It shall exercise the powers and
10 
responsibilities of the current National Land Use Committee which is hereby abolished.
11 
The NLUC shall act as the highest policy making body on land use and resolve land
12 
use policy conflicts between or among agencies, branches, or levels of the
13 
government. It shall integrate efforts, monitor developments relating to land use and
14 
the evolution of policies. It may also establish Regional Offices.
15 
Sec. 15. Composition of the NLUC. - The NLUC shall be composed of the
16 
following.
17 
a) 
The President of the Republic of the Philippines as Chairperson;
18 
b) 
The Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority
19 
(NEDA) and Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural
20 
Resources as Vice-Chairpersons;
21 
The President may designate from among the two Vice-Chairpersons a
22 
Chief Executive Officer who shall supervise the day-to-day affairs of the
23 
NLUC.
24 
The members shall be:
25 
c) 
The Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating
26 
Council (HUDCC), the Secretaries of the Department of Agriculture (DA),
27 
the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Trade and
28 
Industry (DTI), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),
29 
the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Tourism
30 
(DOT), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the
31 
Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Science and Technology
32 
(DOST), the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Energy
25


1 
(DOE) and the Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous
2 
Peoples (NCIP);
3 
The Department Secretaries and the Chairperson of the NCIP may
4 
designate a representative with a rank not lower than Assistant Secretary
5 
and Commissioner, respectively: Provided, That the designated
6 
representative shall be on a permanent basis.
7 
d) 
A representative each from the Leagues of Provinces, Cities and
8 
Municipalities;
9 
e) 
A representative each from four (4) basic sectors directly involved in land
10 
use, namely: urban poor, farmer-peasants, fisherfolk, and indigenous
11 
peoples who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines based
12 
on the nomination and recommendation of the respective sectoral councils
13 
of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). At least two (2) sectoral
14 
representatives shall be women;
15 
f) 
Two (2) representatives from private subdivisions, and housing developers;
16 
and
17 
g) 
Two (2) representatives from the accredited association of professionals
18 
dealing on land use such as but not limited to urban and regional planners,
19 
environmental planners, architects, geologists and geodetic engineers.
20 
A consultative body shall likewise be convened by the UC at least once a year or
21 
as often as may be necessary. It shall be composed of representatives from the
22 
Leagues of Municipalities, Cities, and Provinces, other government agencies not
23 
represented in the NLUC, and from non-government sectors such as the private sector,
24 
non-government organizations (NGOs) and people's organizations (POs), and the
25 
academic community.
26 
Sec. 16. Powers and Functions. - The NLUC shall have the following powers and
27 
functions:
28 
a) 
Advise the President of the Philippines and the NEDA Board on all matters
29 
concerning land use and physical planning;
30 
b) 
Integrate and harmonize all laws, guidelines and policies relevant to land
31 
use and physical planning to come up with a rational, cohesive, and
32 
comprehensive national land use framework;
26


1 
c) 
Formulate policies and endorse land use and physical planning-related
2 
policies that may be formulated by the Regional Land Use Policy Council
3 
(RLUPC), created under Section 21 of this Act, and concerned agencies as
4 
well as promulgate zoning and other land use control standards and
5 
guidelines which shall guide the formulation of land use plans and zoning
6 
ordinances by local governments;
7 
d) 
Prepare, periodically review and if necessary, update the national
8 
framework for physical planning to provide the general framework for the
9 
spatial development directions for the entire country and sub-national
10 
levels;
11 
e) 
Review and endorse all land use and physical planning related guidelines;
12 
f) 
Monitor and coordinate the gathering of data, the conduct of studies
13 
pertaining to land use planning including studies on the management of
14 
identified land uses and such other studies not undertaken by other
15 
government agencies;
16 
g) 
Recommend to the President of the Philippines the adoption, passage, or
17 
amendment of laws to ensure that sectoral programs, plans, projects, and
18 
activities, including local government initiatives affecting land use are
19 
consistent with national development objectives;
20 
h) 
Coordinate with and assist other government agencies and LGUs in
21 
planning, developing, and implementing their land use classification
22 
programs, and provide, to the extent possible, technical assistance and
23 
guidance;
24 
i) 
Monitor and coordinate the activities of concerned agencies and entities of
25 
the government, as well as LGUs, in the enforcement and implementation
26 
of policies and regulations relating to land use and resource management
27 
and development;
28 
j) 
Monitor and coordinate activities in the establishment of a national land
29 
resource information and management system of concerned agencies that
30 
shall integrate and process information on land use and allocation
31 
generated by the various national government agencies; define information
27


1 
requirements at various levels; and standardize information inputs and
2 
outputs including scales and symbols used in territorial and sectoral maps;
3 
k) 
Be the repository of all RPFPs, PPFDPs and CLUPs and all data and
4 
information pertaining to land and land use;
5 
I) 
Call on any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the
6 
government, and or private entities and organization for cooperation,
7 
support, and assistance in the performance of its functions;
8 
m) 
Decide and resolve policy conflicts and territorial jurisdiction on land use
9 
between or among agencies, branches, or levels of the government and act
10 
on unresolved land use policy conflicts at the regional level elevated by the
11 
Regional Land Use Policy Council (RLUPC);
12 
n) 
Adopt rules of procedures for the orderly and expeditious conduct of
13 
meetings and other business of the Council; and
14 
o) 
Perform such other acts and functions and exercise such other powers as
15 
may be necessarily implied, inherent, incident, or related to the foregoing.
16 
Sec. 17. NLUC Technical Secretariat (NLUC-TS). - A Technical Secretariat shall
17 
be created to provide technical support to the NLUC. It shall be headed by an
18 
Executive Director and composed of:
19 
a) 
Representatives of the member agencies/ institutions of the NLUC, who shail
20 
have a rank not lower than Director level; and
21 
b) 
The representatives of NLUC members as enumerated in Section 16 (d), (e)
22 
and (g) of this Act.
23 
Sec. 18. The NLUC Technical Secretariat Executive Director. - The Executive
24 
Director shall supervise the operations of the NLUC Technical Secretariat and assist
25 
the NLUC Chairperson or his/her designated CEO.
26 
In the absence of the CEO, he shall preside over the meetings of the NLUC-TS.
27 
He shall also perform such other functions as may be tasked by the Chairperson
28 
or CEO-Vice Chairperson.
29 
Sec. 19. Offices, Units and Staff Support. - The Policy and Planning Unit of the
30 
HLURB shall be the core secretariat of the NLUC. The Staff in the HLURB Policy and
31 
Planning Unit and NEDA Regional Development Office who opted to transfer to the
32 
NLUC shall be given priority without diminution in rank and remuneration. The staffing
28


1 
pattern shall be drafted by the NLUC in coordination with the DBM and Civil Service
2 
Commission. Other government agencies may also be called upon for staff support.
3 
Article 2
4 
Local Development Councils as Local Land Use Policy Councils
5 
Sec. 20. CIty/MunIcIpal Land Use Policy Council (C/MLUPQ. -The City/ Municipal
6 
Development Council (C/MDC), created under Section 106 of the Local Government
7 
Code, shall act as the City/ Municipal Land Use Policy Council (C/MLUPC) that will
8 
tackle land use concerns whenever necessary. A duly authorized representative from
9 
the DAR, the DENR and the DA shall be included in the composition of the C/MLUPC.
10 
In addition to the functions enumerated in Section 109 of the LGC, the C/MLUP
11 
shall:
12 
a) 
Advise the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlungsodon all matters
13 
pertaining to land use and physical planning;
14 
b) 
Review and endorse to the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang
15 
Panlungsodfor adoption, the CLUP prepared and periodically updated by
16 
the City/ Municipal Planning and Development Office and other land use
17 
and physical planning-related policies; and
18 
c) 
Decide and resolve policy conflicts on land use planning, classification, and
19 
allocation that may arise between and among 
barangays 
and any
20 
unresolved land use conflict at the barangay level regarding the violation
21 
of zoning ordinances including opposition to applications for locational
22 
clearances, permits or certificates.
23 
For purposes of this Act, the City/ Municipal Planning and Development
24 
Coordinator (C/MPDC) shall: (a) act on all applications for locational clearances for all
25 
projects except those of vital and national economic or environmental significance;
26 
and (b) monitor ongoing/ existing projects within their respective jurisdictions and
27 
issue notices of violation to owners, developers, or managers of projects that are
28 
violative of zoning ordinances.
29 
The C/MLUPC may call upon any local official concerned such as C/MPDC, City/
30 
Municipal Agriculturist, City/ Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer,
31 
City/ Municipal Engineer, City/ Municipal Assessor, or any official of national agencies
32 
during discussions on land use and physical planning concerns.
29


1 
Local government units without operational C/MDC as mandated by the 1991
2 
LGC shall activate their respective Councils within six (6) months from the effectivity
3 
of this Act.
4 
Sec. 21. Provincial Land Use Policy Council (PLUPC). - The Provincial
5 
Development Council (PDC), created under Section 106 of the LGC, shall act as the
6 
Provincial Land Use Policy Council that will tackle land use concerns whenever
7 
necessary. A duly authorized representative from the DENR, DAR and the DA shall be
8 
included in the composition of the PLUPC.
9 
In addition to the functions enumerated in Section 109 of the LGC, the
10 
PLUPC shall:
11 
a) 
Advise the Sangguniang Paniaiawigan on all matters pertaining to land use
12 
and physical planning;
13 
b) 
Review and endorse to the Sangguniang Paniaiawigan for adoption, the
14 
provincial physical framework plans, prepared and periodically updated by
15 
the Provincial Planning and Development Office and other land use and
16 
physical planning-related policies;
17 
c) 
Assist the Sangguniang Paniaiawigan in reviewing the CLUPs of component
18 
cities/ municipalities to ensure consistency with the provincial physical
19 
framework plans and compliance with the limits prescribed under the 1991
20 
LGC for reclassifying agricultural lands; and
21 
d) 
Decide and resolve policy conflicts on land use planning, classification, and,
22 
allocation that may arise between or among cities/ municipalities and any
23 
unresolved land use conflicts at the city/ municipal level.
24 
The PLUPC may call upon any local official concerned such as Provincial Planning
25 
and Development Coordinator, Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Environment and
26 
Natural Resources Officer, Provincial Engineer, Provincial Assessor, or any official of
27 
national agencies and other relevant agencies during discussions on land use and
28 
physical planning concerns.
29 
Sec. 22. Regional Land Use Policy Council (RLUPC). - At the regional level, the
30 
Regional Land Use Policy Council (RLUPC) shall be institutionalized, replicating the
31 
NLUC structure and composition which shall include a duly authorized representative
30


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
from the NEDA, the DENR, DA and the DAR. The RLUPC shall have the following 
functions:
a) 
Formulate and adopt regional policies on land use and physical planning;
b) 
Prepare and periodically update a regional physical framework plan, taking 
into consideration national polices and lower level plans;
c) 
Assist the provinces in preparing and periodically updating its physical 
framework plans to ensure consistency with the regional and national plans 
and policies and to facilitate its integration to the regional plans;
d) 
Review, prior to adoption by respective Sanggunians, the provincial 
physical framework plan and CLUPs of highly urbanized and independent 
component cities to ensure consistency with the regional physical 
framework plan and national policies set forth by LUPC and compliance with 
limits prescribed under the 1991 LGC for reclassifying agricultural lands;
e) 
Decide and resolve policy conflicts on land use planning, classification, and 
allocation that may arise between or among regional line agencies, 
provinces and cities/ municipalities;
f) 
Monitor changes in land use and other physical resources in the region;
g) 
Evaluate consistency of major programs and projects with the regional 
physical framework plans and their impact on land use and the 
environment;
h) 
Undertake the gathering of regional data for the Land Resource Information 
and Management System; and
I) Perform other related functions as may be directed by the LUPC.
Article 3
Adoption, Approval, and Review of Land Use Plans 
Sec. 23. Component Cities and Municipalities. - Component cities and 
municipalities shall have the power and authority to adopt and approve their 
respective CLUPs and ZOs through their respective Sanggunians subject to the power 
of review of their respective provinces only with respect to the consistency of the 
CLUPs and ZOs with Section 8 hereof on the preparation of the provincial physical 
framework plan. Upon adoption and approval of the CLUP and ZO by the Sanggunian, 
all land areas zoned for residential purposes or for settlements development shall
31


1 
cease to be covered by the CARP and therefore, shall not be required to secure further
2 
order of land conversion or exemption certificates from the DAR, except for the
3 
payment of disturbance compensation if applicable, as well as the requirements
4 
pertaining to the issuance of environmental compliance certificate (ECC) by the DENR.
5 
Sec. 24. Provinces and Independent and Highly Urbanized Cities. - Provinces and
6 
independent and highly urbanized cities shall have the power and authority to adopt
7 
and approve their respective CLUPs, ZOs or provincial physical framework plan, as the
8 
case may be, through their respective Sanggunian but subject to the review of the
9 
RLUPC as provided in Section 22 of this Act.
10 
Article 5
11 
Responsibilities of the National Government Agencies and LGUs
12 
Sec. 25. National Base Mapping Program. - A national mapping program shall
13 
be implemented, coordinated, and monitored through the creation of an Inter-agency
14 
Technical Committee (UC) composed of the National Mapping and Resource
15 
Information Authority (NAMRIA), as the lead agency, the Bureau of Soils and Water
16 
Management (BSWM), the Forest Management Bureau (FMB), the Land Management
17 
Bureau (LMB), the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), the Mines and
18 
Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
19 
(PHIVOLCS), DAR, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), DOE, NEDA and
20 
other concerned government agencies/ bureaus. The ITC shall be constituted, and the
21 
mapping program shall be initiated, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this
22 
Act. The agencies mentioned in this Section shall endeavor to finish their base
23 
mapping program within two (2) years upon the effectivity of this Act.
24 
For purposes of uniformity and standardization, the LGUs, to be assisted by the
25 
appropriate agencies of the national government, shall likewise prepare their
26 
respective territorial maps using scales, symbols, and other indicators to be prescribed
27 
in accordance with this Act. The completed maps shall be integrated in the national
28 
physical framework plan pursuant to Section 5 of this Act.
29 
Sec. 26. National Geo-hazard Mapping Program. - Within thirty (30) days from
30 
the effectivity of this Act, a nationwide geo-hazard mapping program shall be initiated
31 
jointly thru the NLUC by the PHIVOLCS, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and
32 
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the NAMRIA, the Mines and
32


1 
Geosciences Bureau (MGB), BSWM, and DOE, in coordination with the National
2 
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Regional Disaster
3 
Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), and other concerned
4 
government agencies. The program shall include the generation of indicative geo-
5 
hazard zoning maps that will outline areas in the Philippines which are prone to
6 
liquefaction, landslides, severe flooding, lahar, ground rupturing, tsunami, river
7 
erosion, coastal erosion, sinkhole collapse, earthquake, lava flow, pyroclastic flow,
8 
base surge, and other natural hazards.
9 
For purposes of uniformity and standardization and in order to develop a safe-
10 
built environment, the LGUs shall subsequently incorporate and integrate the
11 
generated geo-hazard zoning maps in their respective CLUPs. Said geo-hazard maps
12 
shall serve as guide for all the LGUs in the preparation of their own hazards-
13 
constrained development plans. The national framework physical planning, pursuant
14 
to Section 5 hereof, shall incorporate these geo-hazard maps.
15 
All infrastructure activities including real estates and subdivision projects and the
16 
development of tourist spots requiring an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
17 
shall be required to submit an Engineering Geological and Geo-hazard Assessment
18 
Report (EGGAR).
19 
Sec. 27. Scope and Nature of Responsibilities of Other National Government
20 
Agencies. - All concerned national government agencies/ bodies shall periodically
21 
report to the NLUC on the various activities and accomplishments relative to land use.
22 
Likewise, they shall provide their respective sectoral/ development plans and render
23 
technical and administrative support if called upon by the NLUC relative to the
24 
implementation of the provisions of this Act.
25 
Sec. 28. Submission of Annual Report on the Implementation of CLUPs. - The
26 
C/MLUPC shall submit an annual report on the implementation of their land use plans
27 
to the PLUPC, which shall integrate the same for submission to the RLUPC, which shall
28 
in turn integrate the provincial reports for submission to the NLUC,
29 
CHAPTER VI
30 
SPECIAL AREAS OF CONCERN
31 
Article 1
32 
Agricultural Lands
33


1 
Sec. 29. Priority Areas for Agricuiturai Deveiopment - Priority areas for
2 
agricultural development shall be those agricultural areas covered under Republic Act
3 
No. 6657 or the CARP, as amended, and those covered under Network of Protected
4 
Areas for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development (NPAAD), defined in Section 4
5 
of this Act and in R.A. No. 8435 or the "Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act."
6 
Sec. 30. Conversion of Agricuiturai Lands. - Agricultural lands are deemed
7 
converted to non-agricultural uses upon approval by the DAR of the application for
8 
conversion. Prime agricultural lands and specific types of lands to the extent necessary
9 
for attaining food self-sufficiency in rice and corn and food security on other basic
10 
commodities, as determined by the DA, subject to mandatory consultation with the
11 
LCDs, the private sector, the NGOs, and the POs, shall be protected from conversion,
12 
which shall include but not limited to areas under the NPAAD: Provided, That all
13 
irrigated and irrigable lands, all lands developed or possessing the potential for
14 
development of high value crops, and all agricultural lands that are ecologically fragile
15 
and whose conversion will result in serious environmental problems shall be given full
16 
protection from conversion, the areas under which are subject to review every seven
17 
(7) years by the DA, with the mandatory public consultations: Provided, further, That
18 
consistent with the State policy on giving priority to the completion of the CARP, ail
19 
lands subject to CARP including those lands covered under the notice of compulsory
20 
acquisition/voluntary offer to sell, production or profit-sharing, or commercial farm
21 
deferment shall also be protected from conversion pending the distribution and
22 
installation of the farmer beneficiaries, but thereafter. Section 22 of R.A. No. 9700 or
23 
CARP extension shall apply; Provided, furthermore. That the conversion of agricultural
24 
lands for use of priority government projects for basic services such as, but not limited
25 
to, irrigation and power shall be allowed only upon the recommendation of the
26 
Secretaries of the DA and the DAR: Provided, finaiiy. That the mapping of the NPAAD
27 
under the AFMA shall be completed within two (2) years from the effectivity of this
28 
Act.
29 
Lands defined under Section 10 of R.A. No. 6657 shall remain exempted and
30 
excluded from the coverage of the CARP.
31 
Sec. 31. Sub-ciassification or Re-classification of Agricuiturai Lands by LGUs. -
32 
Sub-classification or re-classification of agricultural lands to other uses under Section
34


1 
20 of the Local Government Code of 1991 shall exclude the protected agricultural
2 
lands as stated in the preceding section. Moreover, such 
sub-
3 
classification/reclassification is not synonymous to conversion. The DA and the DAR
4 
shall provide the LGUs with complete list and maps of protected agricultural lands
5 
within their territorial jurisdictions.
6 
Article 2
7 
Forest Lands and Watershed Management
8 
Sec. 32. Reversion of Alienable and Disposable Lands to Forestlands. - Upon the
9 
recommendation of the Secretary of the DENR, duly reviewed and endorsed by the
10 
NLUC, and after due consultations with the concerned LGUs and affected parties,
11 
Congress may authorize the reversion of alienable and disposable lands of the public
12 
domain or portion thereof to forestlands. Thereafter, said lands shall be included in
13 
the preparation of land use plans within forestlands.
14 
Sec. 33. Critical Watershed Areas. - The DENR, in coordination with the DA,
15 
LGUs, and other government agencies, including government-owned and-controlled
16 
corporations, and with mandatory public consultations, shall identify and delineate
17 
critical watershed areas that need to be protected, rehabilitated, enhanced, and/or
18 
withdrawn from uses that contribute to their further degradation.
19 
Sec. 34. Formulation and Implementation of Integrated Watershed Management
20 
Plans. - In the absence of a law on the protection and sustainable management of
21 
our forests, the LGUs through their local and land use committees and upon
22 
mandatory consultations with the concerned sectors, and with the assistance of the
23 
DENR, shall prepare their watershed management plans which shall be integrated with
24 
their respective CLUPs. The formulation and integration of the plan shall be guided,
25 
among others, by the principle that the management and development of inland water
26 
resources shall be at the watershed level. A nationwide mapping of watersheds in the
27 
country shall be implemented.
28 
In cases where the watershed areas transcend the boundaries of a particular
29 
municipality, an inter-LGU committee composed of representatives from local land use
30 
committees of the LGUs where the watershed area is located shall be formed. With
31 
the assistance of the DENR and upon mandatory consultations with the concerned
35


1 
sectors, the inter-LGU committee shall formulate the watershed management plan for
2 
the said watershed area.
3 
The DENR and the concerned LGUs shall jointly implement the watershed
4 
management plan subject to regular consultations with and involvement of the
5 
community and other stakeholders in the implementation of the plan.
6 
The preparation of forest land use plans shall make use of the watershed as the
7 
basic planning unit.
8 
Article 3
9 
Coastal Zone
10 
Sec. 35. Criteria on the Allocation and Utilization of Lands within the Coastal
11 
Zones. -The allocation and utilization of lands within the coastal zones shall be guided
12 
by the following:
13 
a) Areas vegetated with mangrove species shall be preserved for mangrove
14 
production and shall not be converted to other uses;
15 
b) 
Areas which meet all accepted criteria on elevation, soil type, soil depth,
16 
topography, supply for successful fishpond development, are not identified
17 
as mangrove protected areas, shall be utilized for aquaculture purposes;
18 
c) 
Areas sub-classified as mangrove and still suitable for use as such, or due
19 
to environmental conditions need to be preserved as mangrove but is
20 
devoid of mangrove stands shall not be converted to other uses. The DENR
21 
shall ensure that these lands shall be reforested within a given period of
22 
time;
23 
d) 
Areas accessible to the sea and identified for fisherfolk settlement and
24 
housing shall be allocated to traditional fisherfolk who are inhabitants of
25 
the coastal communities and members of legitimate fisherfolk organizations
26 
and/or holders of stewardship lease contracts or titled to ancestral domains
27 
or any form of property right arrangements 
who participate 
in coastal
28 
resource management initiatives, subject to the usual census procedure of
29 
the HUDCC.
30 
e) 
Areas which are neither sub-classified as mangrove, fisherfolk settlement
31 
nor fishpond may be devoted to recreational or tourism purposes; Provided,
36


1 
That such undertaking will not result in environmental degradation and
2 
displacement of small fishers;
3 
f) 
Areas which are considered as traditional fishing grounds shall be used
4 
primarily for such purpose;
5 
g) 
Areas which have been allocated for small infrastructure needed by
6 
fisherfolk shall be allowed; and
7 
h) 
Areas which form part of foreshore lands as defined in this Act including
8 
those which are under lease agreements or arrangements shall undergo
9 
zoning and evaluation to determine their boundaries and actual sizes and
10 
corresponding uses.
11 
Sec. 36. Coastal Land Zone Sub-classification. - All public lands in the coastal
12 
zones shall be sub-classified into any of the following: estuaries, lagoons, inter-tidal
13 
flats, mudflats, fishponds, mangroves, protection from tidal surge, for preservation of
14 
biodiversity, habitats and sanctuaries for endangered wildlife, fisherfolk settlement, or
15 
recreational/tourism areas. No sub-classification of coastal cones to different uses
16 
shall be done without the following:
17 
a) 
Conduct of a comprehensive resource and environmental assessment by
18 
the DENR and respective LGUs and accredited NGOs and POs within their
19 
jurisdiction; and
20 
b) 
Prior 
consultation with the Local Fisheries and Aquatic Resource
21 
Management Councils (FARMCs) formed under Republic Act No. 8550 or
22 
the Philippine Fisheries Code.
23 
Sec. 37. Zoning of Foreshore Areas. - Local government units, in coordination
24 
with the DENR, shall conduct zoning of their respective foreshore areas to assist
25 
government and community fishers identify priority areas for conservation and
26 
development, and to enable them to set targets for mangrove reforestation and
27 
rehabilitation.
28 
Sec. 38. Protection of Waterways Easement and Hood Plains. - Structures of any
29 
kind shall not be built in waterways easements. Pursuant to PD 1067 or the Water
30 
Code, the banks or rivers and streams and the shores of the seas and lakes throughout
31 
their entire length and within a zone of three (3) meters in urban areas, twenty (20)
32 
meters in agricultural areas and forty (40) meters in forest areas, along their margins,
37


1 
are subject to the easement of public use only in the interest of recreation, navigation,
2 
floatage, fishing and salvage.
3 
The protection of flood plains shall adopt a river basin management approach in
4 
order to come up with integrated flood mitigation interventions. Development within
5 
flood plains and other flood-prone areas must be controlled or, if allowed, must be so
6 
sited, constructed and serviced that life of occupants are not put at risk and that
7 
disruptions during floods are minimal. The identification and characterization of flood-
8 
prone areas and flood plains shall be an integral part of CLUP preparation. Through
9 
the CLUPs and zoning ordinances, LCDs shall establish land use regulations to mitigate
10 
flood risks.
11 
The DPWH, in coordination with DOST and DENR, shall declare flood control
12 
areas, as necessary, and prohibit or control activities that could damage or cause
13 
deterioration of lakes and dikes, obstruct the flow of water, change the natural flow
14 
of rivers, increase flood losses or aggravate flood problems pursuant to PD 1067.
15 
Article 4
16 
Mineral Lands
17 
Sec. 39. Criteria for the Utilization and Allocation of Land for Mining Purposes. -
18 
Consistent with Section 6 of this Act and the provisions of Republic Act No. 7942 or
19 
the Mining Act of 1995, and to ensure that the objectives of maintaining ecological
20 
balance and maximizing economic returns to mining operations are realized, the
21 
allocation and utilization of lands for mining purposes shall be guided by the following:
22 
a) 
The principles of sustainable development and responsible mining;
23 
b) 
In case of small-scale mining, adequate and acceptable safeguards shall be
24 
instituted by the holders of mining rights or permits to prevent
25 
environmental degradation of the mining sites and adjacent areas;
26 
c) 
Mineral reservations which have become non-operational for more than five
27 
(5) years as determined by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) shall
28 
be placed under appropriate surface management by the DENR; and
29 
d) 
Consistent with the Mining Act of 1995, areas closed to mining operations
30 
shall be periodically reviewed through mineral exploration to be undertaken
31 
by the DENR for the purpose of determining whether or not their continued
38


1 
closure is consistent with the national interest and, if warranted,
2 
recommend their reclassification as mineral lands.
3 
e) Protection forestlands and agricultural lands shall be exempt from mining
4 
activities to minimize the effect of natural calamities and to protect food
5 
security respectively. The small to large scale mining operations shall yield
6 
from and recognize the tenurial instrument given by the government such
7 
as original certificate of title (TCT), certificate of ancestral domain title
8 
(CADT), emancipation patent-certificate of land ownership award (EP-
9 
CLOA) and other instruments. If these be present, no mining activity shall
10 
be conducted.
11 
Sec. 40. Reversion of Mineral Lands. - All mineral lands with exhausted mineral
12 
resources, as determined by the MGB upon the recommendation of the DENR, shall
13 
revert to its original land classification, that is, as forestland or agricultural land. In
14 
the case of forestlands, the DENR may classify such areas for other purposes in
15 
consultation with concerned LGUs, the Department of Tourism (DOT), and other
16 
national government agencies.
17 
Article 5
18 
Energy Resource Lands
19 
Sec. 41. Guidelines for the Utilization and Allocation of Lands for Energy
20 
Resource Exploration, Development, Production, Utilization, and Distribution
21 
Purposes. - To ensure that the objectives of maintaining ecological balance and
22 
maximizing the power potential from indigenous energy resources in the most
23 
economical and environmentally acceptable means are realized, the allocation and
24 
utilization of lands for said purposes shall be guided by the following consistent with
25 
existing regulations and laws on energy resources:
26 
a) 
Indigenous energy resource exploration and development for the purpose
27 
of a National Energy Resource Inventory and Data Base as well as Energy
28 
Resource Block Map shall be allowed subject to the implementation of
29 
complementary watershed and other land management plans;
30 
b) 
Indigenous energy resource exploration, development, production,
31 
utilization, and distribution shall be subject to the appropriate requirements
32 
and processes of the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
39


1 
system. Each project shall secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate
2 
(ECC) prior to project implementation to ensure adequate and appropriate
3 
environmental management measures and optimum methods for resource
4 
access and recovery are utilized; and
5 
c) Energy reser/ations or portions thereof which have become or have been
6 
established to be non-economically viable to operate or are no longer used
7 
for energy purposes shall be released to give way to other land uses,
8 
subject to existing laws covering energy reservations.
9 
Sec. 42. Reversion of Energy Resource Lands. - All exhausted indigenous energy
10 
resource lands not covered by proclamations shall automatically revert to the category
11 
of forestlands or agricultural lands open to disposition, whichever is appropriate.
12 
Exhausted energy resource lands shall refer to specific energy resource sites whose
13 
energy reserves of the desired type/s are no longer in sufficient quantity or quality to
14 
justify additional expenditure for their extraction and utilization.
15 
CHAPTER VII
16 
SETTLEMENTS DEVELOPMENT
17 
Sec. 43. Town, City, and Settlements Development - The development of town,
18 
city, and settlements through the zoning ordinances of cities and municipalities shall
19 
be guided by the CLUPs and urban zoning standards designed to maximize existing
20 
urban spaces. Socialized housing and settlement areas shall be established only on
21 
alienable and disposable lands in order to avoid further degradation of forestlands.
22 
Sec. 44. Settlements within Geo-hazard Areas. - Settlements, in particular
23 
housing or residential developments, within geo-hazed areas may be allowed provided
24 
that mitigating and/or protective measures are adopted to address the potential
25 
danger or risk to lives and property within such settlements. In coordination with the
26 
concerned agencies of the government, the LUPC shall provide assistance to
27 
concerned LGUs and settlers in instituting safety and corrective measures to address
28 
the potential danger or risk.
29 
Residential zones as designated in the CLUP shall be considered as outside geo-
30 
hazard areas. For this purpose, housing projects within such areas shall be exempt
31 
from the ECC as well as the Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment Report
40


1 
(EGGAR) and may be implemented without the need for any further certificate of
2 
exemption from the DENR or any other government regulatory agency.
3 
Sec. 45. Designation of Sanitary Landfill. - Each city or municipality shall identify,
4 
designate and allocate an area within their territorial jurisdiction to serve as sanitary
5 
landfill within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act. The LGUs, in coordination
6 
with the DENR or any other competent authority, shall identify sanitary landfill in order
7 
to fast track the conduct of environmental impact assessment study and to facilitate
8 
processing of the environmental compliance certificate. The site or area shall be
9 
identified in the city or municipality's CLUP. For this purpose, cities and municipalities
10 
shall establish their solid waste management program, pursuant to R.A. No. 9003,
11 
otherwise known as the "Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000." Likewise,
12 
as provided under Section 33 of the LGC, cities and municipalities may, through
13 
appropriate ordinances, bind themselves towards the establishment of a common solid
14 
waste management program."
15 
Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DENR, in coordination
16 
with concerned agencies, shall promulgate the necessary guidelines and standards for
17 
the formulation and establishment of solid waste management programs by cities and
18 
municipalities, and shall submit the same to the LUPC for review and approval.
19 
Sec. 46, Designation and Zoning of Socialized Housing Zones. - Each city or
20 
municipality in urban, urbanizabie and rural areas shall designate through the CLUP
21 
adequate lands for housing or residential purposes, including socialized housing and
22 
resettlement areas for the immediate and future needs of the local population as well
23 
as the underprivileged and homeless in their territory, pursuant to existing laws and
24 
regulations. In order to ensure adequate availability of land for the housing needs of
25 
the local population, the CLUP shall be updated, at maximum, every ten (10) years
26 
for provinces, cities and municipalities.
27 
The designated sites for socialized housing shall be located in residential zones,
28 
and shall be zoned as socialized housing zones that are integrated in the city or
29 
municipality's zoning ordinance, pursuant to existing laws and regulations.
30 
Fisherfolk settlements and housing in coastal municipalities shall be zoned near
31 
the sea for easy access to their livelihood as provided under Section 36(b) of this Act.
41


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
The housing or residential lands designated in the CLUPs and ZOs of cities and 
municipalities shall, on one hand, not be subject to further land reclassification by the 
LGU or land conversion procedure under DAR. On the other hand, agricultural lands 
as designated in the CLUP which are no longer economically feasible for agricultural 
use may be subject to land reclassification or conversion to housing/residential 
purposes and such conversion, as the case may be, shall be exempt from the coverage 
of any moratorium on land conversion.
Sec. 47. Urban Forest or Green Space. - Each city or highly urbanized 
municipality shall identify, designate and allocate lands owned by the city or 
municipality as urban forest or green space based on the guidelines and standards to 
be issued by the DENR and approved by the NLUC.
CHAPTER VIII
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS
Sec. 48. Criteria for Designating Industriai Development Areas. - The 
identification and establishment of industrial development areas shall conform with 
the provisions of R.A. No. 7916, or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Act, 
R.A. No. 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Act, as 
amended by R.A. No. 9700 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with 
Extension and Reforms Act (CARPER), R.A. 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act 
(IPRA), R.A. No. 7279 or the Urban Development Housing Act (UHDA), and R.A. No. 
8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), taking into 
consideration the following:
a) 
Identified network of areas for agricultural development and protected 
agricultural areas pursuant to the AFMA;
b) 
National policies on the regional dispersal of industries and agri-based 
industrial development;
c) 
Identified growth areas and corridors in the National Development Plan;
d) 
National Protected Areas Systems (NIPAS) and non-NIPAS areas that 
require protection;
e) 
National and Urban Development and Housing Framework;
f) 
Identified Socialized Housing Zones; and
42


1 
g) National Framework for physical planning and other existing national
2 
programs and policies.
3 
The designated industrial development areas shall become an integral part of
4 
the land use plan and zoning ordinance of the city or municipality were these areas
5 
are located.
6 
CHAPTER IX
7 
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND HERITAGE AREAS
8 
Sec. 49. Designating Tourism Deveiopment Areas. - The identification, selection,
9 
and development of tourism development areas, tourism estates and tourism
10 
enterprise zones (TEZs) shall be done in consultation and coordination with the
11 
concerned national government agencies, the private sector, and the affected
12 
communities, subject to the provisions of R.A. No. 9593 or Tourism Act of 2009.
13 
Tourism development areas shall likewise include those covered by legislative and
14 
executive issuances as tourist spots, tourist zones and tourism ecozones which can be
15 
developed into tourism estates or integrated resort, leisure and recreation complexes
16 
and other tourism-related facilities as well as those identified in the national, regional
17 
and inter-regional tourism, and area specific tourism master plans and other sector
18 
plans such as ecotourism and agri-tourism sites.
19 
Designated areas for tourism development shall become part of the CLUPs of the
20 
cities or municipalities where these are located.
21 
Lands identified as part of a TEZ shall qualify for exemption from the coverage
22 
of RAs 7279 and 6657 subject to rules and regulations to be crafter by the TIEZA,
23 
HUDCC and DAR: Provided, That a certificate shall be obtained from the DA that said
24 
lands are no longer economically feasible and sound for agricultural purposes,
25 
consistent with Section 46(c) of this Act.
26 
Sec. 50. Identification and Deciaration of Areas for Protection, Conservation and
17 
Preservation of CuituraiHeritage. - Pursuant to R.A. No. 10066, the National Historical
28 
Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and/or the National Museum in coordination
29 
with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, HLURB and other concerned
30 
agencies, local communities, and the private sector, shall identify declared areas and
31 
structures which shall be protected and/or preserved as part of the Philippine cultural
32 
heritage.
43


1 
The LGUs in coordination with the NHCP, the National Commission for Culture
2 
and Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) shall designate
3 
historical zones to protect the historical integrity of said geographical areas and
4 
cultural space of intangible cultural properties.
5 
CHAPTER X
6 
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
7 
Sec. 51. Allocation and Use of Land for Infrastructure Development. - Land,
8 
whether public or private, shall be allocated and utilized for priority infrastructure
9 
projects that are supportive of national or local development objectives. The NEDA, in
10 
consultation with the concerned national government agencies, Gus, and the private
11 
sector shall identify and periodically review, update and/or revise the list of priority
12 
infrastructure projects subject to Sections 6 and 30 of this Act, and Section 47 of R.A.
13 
No. 8435 or AFMA. In determining and evaluating the list of priority infrastructure
14 
projects, consideration shall be given to those that:
15 
a) 
Respond to immediate and vital requirements of the national economy with
16 
priority on improving rural infrastructure and the development of the
17 
agriculture and fisheries sectors;
18 
b) 
Upgrade existing facilities to international standards;
19 
c) 
Address the need for sustainable settlements development; and,
20 
d) 
Help mitigate the destructive effects of natural disaster-causing phenomena
21 
or those that shall serve as alternatives to existing infrastructures found in
22 
natural hazard-prone areas: Provided, That the provision and
23 
implementation of infrastructure support shall be made compatible with
24 
existing environmental conditions and the physical, whether natural or
25 
human-made, and cultural character of the area. Mandatory public
26 
consultations pursuant to existing laws and regulations shall be held prior
27 
to the conduct of all infrastructure projects that will necessarily involve
28 
dislocation or displacement of people in the area: Provided, further, That
29 
the proponent of the infrastructure project shall follow the rules on just and
30 
humane eviction or demolition under Section 28 of R.A. No. 7279 or the
31 
Urban Development Housing Act (UDHA) notwithstanding the provisions of
32 
Republic Act No. 8975, prohibiting lower courts from issuing temporary
44


1 
restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, or preliminary mandatory
2 
injunctions, and proponent shall follow IPRA: Provided, finally, That
3 
national government infrastructure projects shall allocate budget for the
4 
adequate relocation of displaced communities.
5 
Sec. 52. Infrastructure Projects within Geo-hazard Areas. - Construction of
6 
priority infrastructure projects within hazard-prone areas shall be allowed: Provided,
1 
That mitigating and/or preventive measures are adopted to address the potential
8 
adverse economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts that will emanate from
9 
these infrastructure projects, subject to the findings and recommendations of a
10 
feasibility study/environmental impact assessment in accordance with Presidential
11 
Decree No. 1586, Establishing An Environment Impact Statement System, Including
12 
Other Environmental Management Related Measures, and R.A. No. 4846 or the
13 
Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act, as amended by Presidential
14 
Decree No. 374.
15 
Existing projects that did not go through the process of an environmental impact
16 
assessment and pose threats to the environment, integrity of historic, archeological,
17 
or scientifically significant areas; or are impinging on critical ecosystems, may be: (a)
18 
terminated immediately, (b) required to implement an Environmental Management
19 
Plan; (c) gradually phased-out and relocated, or (d) maintained up to their lifespan,
20 
subject, however, to mitigating measures: Provided, That the rules on mandatory
21 
public consultations and just and humane eviction or demolition shall also be observed
22 
prior to the termination, gradual phase-out, or relocation of projects that will
23 
necessarily involve dislocation or displacement of people in the area.
24 
CHAPTER XI
25 
TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND VALUE FORMATION
26 
Sec. 53. Value Formation. - In order to create a well-informed, responsible and
27 
committed citizenry who values the protection, conservation and development of the
28 
country's limited land, and other physical resources, the State shall mandate the
29 
inclusion of sustainable land use education or any subject related thereto in the
30 
curricula of primary, secondary and tertiary education.
31 
Sec. 54. Information and Education Campaign. - The NLUC shall undertake a
32 
nationwide education information campaign in and use and physical planning to be
45


1 
implemented by local and national government officials, community leaders, NGOs,
2 
POs, religious sector, and the general public: Provided, That it shall be mandatory for
3 
local government officials involved in the preparation of CLUPS and PPFDP, including
4 
the municipal, city and provincial development officer to attend the Land Use
5 
Management Capability-Building Program.
6 
CHAPTER XII
7 
INCENTIVES, SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES
8 
Article 1
9 
Incentives and A wards
10 
Sec. 55. Formulation of a System of Incentives and Awards. - The NLUC shall
11 
come out with a system of incentives and awards to LGUs that regularly update their
12 
CLUPS within the prescribed period, as follows:
13 
a) 
Provinces, Highly Urbanized Cities, and Independent Component Cities
14 
once every nine (9) years; and
15 
b) 
Component cities and municipalities once every nine (9) years.
16 
Sec. 56. Priority in Giving Technical Assistance to LGUs. - In providing technical
17 
assistance and other forms of support related to land use management and the
18 
implementation of development plans, the national government agencies shall give
19 
priority to cities and municipalities with approved CLUPs.
20 
Article 2
21 
Sanctions and Penalties
22 
Sec. 57. Fine for Non-Completion and Non-Commencement of Development of
23 
Agricultural Lands with Approved Order of Conversion. - A landowner and his/her
24 
designated developer or duly authorized representative who fails to commence and/or
25 
complete the development of agricultural lands with approved order of conversion
26 
shall be penalized, jointly or severally, with any of the following fines based on the
27 
zonal value of the land at the time the fine is imposed:
28 
a) 
On failure to commence 
within one (1) year from the date of the conversion
29 
order:
30 
a.l Six percent (6%) of the zonal value of the subject land for the first
31 
three (3) hectares;
46


1 
b.l Fifteen percent (15%) of the zonal vale of the subject land for the
2 
next three (3) hectares; and
3 
c.l Thirty percent (30%) of the zonal value of the subject land for the
4 
remaining area: Provided, That the order of conversion shaii be
5 
deemed revoked automaticaily and the iand shaii revert to its original
6 
agricultural use and covered by the DAR through compulsory
7 
acquisition for distribution to quaiified beneficiaries.
8 
b) On failure to complete fifty percent (50%) of the approved conversion plan
9 
within a specified time frame. Fifty percent (50%) of the zonal value of the
10 
subject land and the revocation of the conversion plan on the undeveloped
11 
portion which shall automatically revert to its original use as agricultural
12 
land. The same shall be covered under the CARP and processed for land
13 
distribution as soon as possible.
14 
Sec. 58. Authority to Impose Fine. - The DAR shall impose the penalty provided
15 
for under the preceding section.
16 
Sec. 59. Withdrawal of Local Deveiopment Permits or Licenses. - Upon receipt
17 
of notice from the DAR, the concerned agencies and the city or municipality shall
18 
withdraw or revoke any development permit and other licenses that may be necessary
19 
to develop the agricultural land subject of conversion.
20 
Sec. 60. Utilization of Fines. - The fines collected under Sections 57, 62 and 63
21 
hereof shall automatically accrue to the Agrarian Reform Fund consistent with the
22 
provisions of the CARP, as amended.
23 
Sec. 61. Failure to Formulate, Enforce, and/or Implement the CLUPs. -
24 
Consistent with due process, the DILG shall investigate, review, and impose
25 
appropriate action regarding local chief executives and other local officials and
26 
employees responsible for the formulation, enforcement, and/or implementation of
27 
the CLUPs in case of any of the following:
28 
a) 
Failure to implement and enforce the CLUP due to negligence of duty;
29 
b) 
Failure 
to provide appropriate budgetary allocation to effect its
30 
implementation; and
31 
c) 
Failure to complete the preparation of the CLUP despite the availability of
32 
funds, resources, and support by the Sanggunian concerned.
47


1 
Any public official or employees, regardless of whether elected or appointed or
2 
holding office or employment in a casual, temporary, holdover, permanent, or regular
3 
capacity, found to be responsible for any of the foregoing acts, after due notice and
4 
hearing by the appropriate body or agency, shall be punished with forfeiture of salaries
5 
and allowances and suspension from:
6 
a) Six (6) to nine (9) months, in case of non-implementation of CLUP; or
7 
b) Three (3) to Six (6) months, in case of non-completion of the CLUP.
8 
Sec. 62. Person(s) Abetting Illegal Conversion. - Any person initiating, causing,
9 
inducing, or abetting illegal conversion shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned from
10 
seven (7) to twelve (12) years and imposed a fine of not less than One Hundred
11 
Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) or both at the discretion of the court: Provided, That
12 
if the offender is a public official or employee, whether elected or appointed, the
13 
penalty shall, in addition thereto, include dismissal through permanent separation
14 
from the service and forfeiture of all benefits and entitlements accruing to the public
15 
position and perpetual disqualification to run or apply for any elective or appointive
16 
public office: Provided, further. That if the offender is a juridical person, the penalty
17 
of imprisonment shall be imposed on the president, chief executive officer, manager,
18 
chairperson and all the members of the board, and other responsible officer thereof,
19 
and the fine shall be equivalent to the zonal value of the land or forty percent (40%)
20 
of the shareholders equity, as determined at the time of judgment, whichever is
21 
higher, plus forfeiture of the lad in favor of the State for sale through public auction,
22 
the proceeds of which shall automatically accrue to the Agrarian Reform Fund as
23 
provided for in Section 58 of this Act.
24 
Sec. 63. Penalty for Reclassification of Protected Agricultural Lands and
25 
Exceeding the Limit of Areas Allowed for Reclassification. - Any person initiating,
26 
causing, inducting, or abetting the reclassification of protected agricultural areas into
27 
non-agricultural uses and exceeding the limits set forth under Section 20 of the LGC
28 
of 1991, shall be penalized with imprisonment of twelve (12) years and a fine of not
29 
less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), or both at the discretion of the
30 
Court: Provided, That if the offender is a public official or employee, the penalty shall,
31 
in addition thereto, include dismissal through permanent separation from the service,
32 
whether elected or appointed, and forfeiture of entitlements accruing to the public
48


1 
position: Provided, further, That if the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall
2 
be imposed on the president, chief executive officer, manager, chairperson and ali the
3 
members of the board, and other responsible officers thereof.
4 
Sec. 64. Payment of Disturbance Compensation. - Following the order of priority
5 
as enumerated in Section 22 of the CARP, as amended, qualified beneficiaries such as
6 
agricultural lessees and tenants, regular farm workers, seasonal farm workers, other
7 
farm workers, actual tillers or occupants of public lands, collective, or cooperative of
8 
the above-mentioned beneficiaries, and others directly working on the iand affected
9 
by agricultural land use conversion shall be entitled to the payment of disturbance
10 
compensation equivalent to five (5) times the average of the gross harvests on the
11 
landholding during the last five (5) preceding calendar years or a certain percentage
12 
of the converted land, whichever is higher, as determined by the DAR.
13 
CHAPTER XIII
14 
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS
15 
Sec. 65. Convening of the NLUC. - Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of
16 
this Act, the President shall convene the NLUC.
17 
Sec. 66. Impiementing Ruies and Reguiations. - Within six (6) months from the
18 
effectivity of this Act, the NLUC shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement
19 
the provisions of this Act. Said rules and regulations shall be submitted to the
20 
Congressional Oversight Committee for approval.
21 
Sec. 67. Congressionai Oversight Committee on the Land Use Act. - There is
22 
hereby created a Congressional Oversight Committee which shall monitor the
23 
implementation of this Act. It shall be composed of seven (7) members from the
24 
Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and seven (7) members
25 
from the House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources. The
26 
Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and
27 
the House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources shall be the Chair and
28 
Co-Chair of the Congressional Oversight Committee, respectively. The other members
29 
of the Senate shall be appointed by the Senate President bases on proportional
30 
representation of the parties or coalitions therein with at least one (1) member
31 
representing the minority.
49


1 
The secretariat of the Oversight Committee shall be drawn from the existing
2 
secretariat personnel of the committees comprising the oversight and the funding shall
3 
be taken from the appropriations of both the Senate and the House of
4 
Representatives.
5 
Sec. 68. Appropriations. - The appropriations for the National Land Use
6 
Commission shall be taken from the budget of the Office of the President in the
7 
General Appropriations Act in the year following the effectivity of this Act and shall be
8 
used to carry out the initial operations of the National Land Use Commission.
9 
Thereafter, additional sums as may be necessary for the full implementation of the
10 
NLUC's functions shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.
11 
Sec. 69. Review of Existing Land Use Pians. - Provinces, cities, and municipalities
12 
with existing land use plans shall review, revise, reconcile, and harmonize the same
13 
with the guidelines set forth under this Act within three (3) years from the effectivity
14 
of this Act.
15 
Sec. 70. Repeaiing Ciause. - All republic acts, executive orders, rules and
16 
regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, that are inconsistent with the
17 
provisions of this Republic Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
18 
Sec. 71. Non-Impairment Ciause. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to
19 
diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or available to marginalized or
20 
basic sectors under existing laws, including but not limited to Republic Act Nos. 7279,
21 
6657, 8371, and 8550.
22 
Sec. 72. Separability Clause. - If for any reason or reasons, any part or provision
23 
of this Act shall be declared or held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or
24 
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and
25 
effect.
26 
Sec. 73. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
27 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general
28 
circulation.
Approved,
50