FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
~ 
- 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to institutionalize a national land use policy to ensure a rational, 
holistic, and just allocation, utilization, management and development of the 'country's 
land resources. 
According to the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (1976), land, 
because ofits unique nature and the crucial role it plays in human settlements, cannot be treated 
as an ordinary asset, controlled by individuals and subject to the pressures and ineflciencies of 
the market. Private land ownership is also a principal instrument of accumulation and 
concentration of wealth nnd fkerefore contributes to social injustice; if unchecked, it may become 
a major obstacle in the planning and implementation of development schemes. Social justice, 
urban renewal and developmcxf, the provision of decent dwellings and heulthy conditions for the 
people can only he achieved ifland is used in the interests ofsociety as a whole. 
In the Philippines, there are various laws passed to address the need for a sound 
land use. The Forestry Reform Code of 1975, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law 
(1988), Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 and the Agriculture and Fisheries 
Modernization Act of 1997 have all been implemented through the years to ensure that 
land the 30,001,563 (2004) total land area of the country is utilized properly. However, 
due tc, the presence of different stakeholders in the use of land and the lack of a national 
land use policy framework, the use of land in our country remains chaotic and breeds 
environmental degradation. 
This bill addresses those concerns by mandating the formulation of a National 
Framework for Physical Planning (NFPP) which shall serve as the general long-term 
framework for the spatial development directions of the entire country and provide 
analytical parameters for the planned allocation, use and management of the country's 
land and other physical resources. A centralized body called the Land Use Policy 
Council composed various government agencies involved in land use shall be created to 
formulate, periodically update and implement the said plan and to coordinate with, 
assist and monitor the compliance of local government units (LGUs) in planning, 
developing and implementing their respective comprehensive land use plan under this 
bill. 
Under this proposed measure, land is classified according to use: 
1.) Protection land use which shall refer lo the use of land primarily for 
rehabilitation, conservation, and protection purposes and the promotion 
of the country's ecological and life-support systems. Areas under this 
1 


category are those under the coverage of Republic Act No. 7586 or the 
National Integrated Protected Areas System (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; 
2.) Production land use which shall refer to the direct and indirect 
utilization of land resources for crop, fishery, livestock and poultry 
production,, agroforestry, mining, industry, energy development, and 
tourism. Areas included in this category are agricultural lands, fishing 
grounds, fishponds, and fish cages, coastal and marine zones, production 
forest which comprise lands 18% to 50% in slope gradient such as: 
residual dipterocarps, rangelands for grazing purposes, industrial tree 
plantation/IFMA, community based agro-forestry areas and other 
reforestation projects; mineral lands or mining areas and reservations, 
energy resource lands, industrial development areas, and' tourism 
development areas where productive activities could be undertaken to 
meet the country's requirements for food security, economic growth and 
development; 
3.) Settlements Development which shall refer to any improvement on 
existing settlements in urban and rural areas or any proposed 
development of certain areas for settlement purposes involving the spatial 
distribution of population, identification of the roles and functions of key 
urban centers; determination of relationships among settlement areas, and 
the provision of basic services and facilities to such settlement; and 
4.) Infrastructure Development which seeks to provide basic services and 
foster economic and other forms of integration necessary for producing or 
obtaining the material requirements of Filipinos, in an efficient, 
responsive, safe and ecologically friendly built environment. It covers 
these sub-sectors: transportation, communications, indigenous energy 
exploration and development, water resources, and social infrastructure. 
To ensure compliance with the national land use policy, incentives and awards 
shall be given to local government units that regularly update their comprehensive land 
use plan while fines and sanctions shall be imposed for violating certain provisions of 
this proposed measure. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
r 
LOREN LEGARDA 
Senator 
2 


b . ~ .  . 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
S.& No. 3 
V 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legaxda . , 
,: 
, 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL LAND USE POLICY, PROVIDING THE 
IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
INTRODUCTORY 
PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Title.- This Act shall be known and cited as the "National Land 
Use Act of the Philippines." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies and Principles.- It is the policy of the State to 
provide for a rational, holistic, and just allocation, utilization, management, and 
development of the country's land resources to ensure their optimum use consistent 
with the principle of sustainable development. 
Toward this end, the State shall institutionalize land use and physical planning 
as a mechanism for identifying, determining, and evaluating alternative land use and 
allocation patterns that promote and ensure: 
a) Sustainable and just management and utilization of natural resources; 
b) Maintenance and preservation of environmental integrity and stability; 
c) Food security in basic food commodities with emphasis on self-sufficiency in 
rice and corn production through efficient and sustainable use of land 
resources consistent with the principles of sound agricultural development, 
natural resources development, and agrarian reform; 
d) Protection of prime agricultural lands for food production activities and 
highest priority to the completion of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform 
Program (CARP); 
e) Sustainable development and management of water resources towakds water 
security; 
f )  Rational population distribution and settlements development; 
g) Spatial integration that links consumption and production areas to achieve 
3 


physical and economic integration through appropriate infrastructure 
systems; 
h) Equitable and sustainable economic growth and balanced and dispersed 
industrial and tourism development guided by the principles of agrarian 
reform, urban land reform, and rural development; 
i) Private-public partnership where government provides the appropriate 
policy, legal and institutional framework to guide the private sector's 
management of resources 
Harmony between the rights and the varied interests of every Filipino within 
the framework of people empowerment, decentralization, social justice, and 
equity; 
j) 
k) Respect for and protection of the sustainable traditional resource right of the 
lndigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) to their 
ancestral domains to ensure their economic, social, and cultural well-being as 
well as recognition of the applicability of customary laws and sustainable 
traditional resource use and management, knowledge, and practices in 
ancestral domains; 
1) 
Protection of the right of basic sectors to equitable access to the country's land 
and other resources through State regulation of land valuation to prevent 
uncontrolled land speculation resulting in tremendous increase in land 
pricing; 
m) Protection, conservation and preservation of the Filipino historical and 
cultural heritage and resources for the deeper understanding of our history 
and culture as a people; 
n) Attainment of energy security or energy self-sufficiency through sustainable 
and priority development of indigenous energy resources; 
0) An integrated approach to the utilization, allocation, development and 
management of water as a limited resource to complement and support 
sustainable land utilization; and 
p) Market orientation where the interplay of market forces within the 
framework of ecological and intergenerational factors i3 encouraged and 
adopted as the basic parameter in achieving efficiency in land use and 
allocation. 
It is also the policy of the State to ensure that local government unibs (LGUs) 
share with the national government the responsibility of managing and maintaining 
ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction as stated in the Constitution and 
the 1991 Local Government Code (RA 7160). 
Guided by the principle that the use of land bears a social function and that all 
economic agents shall contribute to the common good, landowners shall be held 
responsible for developing and conserving their lands thereby making their lands 
productive and supportive of environmental stability. 
4 


SEC. 3. Scope.- This Act shall apply to all lands whether public, private, 
government-owned, and/ or in the possession of individuals, communities, indigenous 
peoples, or groups of people, to guide and govern the use, allocation, development and 
management of land resources including such activities that bear impact on said 
resources. 
CHAPTER I1 
DEFINITIONS 
SEC. 4. Definitions.- As used in and for purposes of this Act, the following 
terms shall mean: 
a)”Agricultural land” shall refer to lands devoted to or suitable for the 
cultivation of the soil, planting of crops, growing of fruit trees, raising of livestock, 
poultry, fish or aqua-culture production, including the harvesting of such farm 
products, and other farm activities and practices performed in conjunction with such 
farming operations done by persons whether natural or juridical and not classified by 
law as mineral land, forest land, residential land, commercial land, or industrial land; 
b)”Agricultural land use conversion” shall refer to the undertaking of any 
development activity which modifies or alters the physical characteristics of 
agricultural lands to render them suitable for non-agricultural purposes with an 
approved order of conversion issued exclusively by the Department of Land Reform 
(DLR); 
c) ”Alienable and .disposable (A&D) lands“ shall refer to lands of the public 
domain which have been delineated, classified, and certified to by law or pursuant to 
the Land Classification Program of the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR) as agricultural lands open to disposition under the provisions of 
Commonwealth Act No.141, otherwise known as the “Public Land Act,” as amended; 
d)”AncestraZ domains“ shall refer to all areas generally belonging to ICCs/IPs 
as defined in Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the “Indigenous Peoples 
Rights Act (IPRA) of 1998;’’ 
e) ”Comprehensive land use plan (CLUP)” shall refer to a document 
embodying a set of policies, accompanied by maps and similar illustrations, that serves 
as principal basis for determining the future land use of lands and natural resources 
within the territorial jurisdiction of the city or municipality. It repre$ents the 
community-desired pattern of population distribution and proposes future allocation of 
land resources to various land-using activities. It identifies the allocation, character, 
and extent of the areas of land resources to be used for different purposes and includes 
the processes and the criteria employed in the determination of the land use. It has a 
long-term perspective, encompassing a minimum of three (3) terms of local elective 
officials. 
f )  ”Coastal AredZone” shall refer to a band of dry land and the adjacent 
ocean space (water and submerged land) in which terrestrial processes and uses 
directly affect oceanic processes and uses, and vice versa. Its geographic extent may 
include areas within a landmark limit of one (1) kilolreter from the shoreline at high 
tide t3 include mangrove swamps, brackish water ponds, nip swamps, estuarine rivers, 
sandy beaches and other areas within a seaward limit of 200 meters isobath t‘o include 
coral reefs, algal flats, seagrass beds, and other soft-bottom areas. For purposes of 
initiating and implementing sustainable coastal resources protection and management, 
5 


it shall include foreshore lands; 
g)"CriticaZ watershed" shall refer to a watershed supporting existing and 
proposed hydro-electric power and irrigation works needing immediate rehabilitation 
as it is being subjected to fast denudation causing accelerated erosion and destructive 
floods; 
h)"Cultural heritage" shall refer to the totality of cultural properties preserved 
and developed through time and passed on for posterity; 
i) "Development plan" shall refer to a document that defines the activities or 
measures that the national government or local government units (LGU's) intend to 
implement in order to achieve a defined set of development goals. It integrates the 
socio-economic and sectoral plans of the national government or its instrumentality or a 
particular LGU with spatial plans such as land use or physical framework plans. It 
may include an analysis of problems and resources, definition of goals and objectives, 
policy guidelines, project and target achievements, and an implementation mechanism 
which defines the roles and contributions expected from the government and the 
private sector; 
j) "Ecologically-fragile lands" shall refer to lands within the critical 
watershed, brackish and freshwater wetlands, pasture lands, and croplands which 
require rehabilitation and whose continued unsustainable use would adversely affect 
the productivity of lowland agricultural areas and the stability of the upland system; 
k)"Ecotourism" shall refer to sustainable tourism or travel to a given natural 
area with exotic or threatened ecosystems or a heritage area to observe wildlife or to 
help preserve nature, in the process providing for community participation; protection 
and management of natural resources, culture and indigenous knowledge systems and 
practices; environmental education and ethics; as well as economic benefits fostered 
and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and the satisfaction of visitors; 
1) Energy resource lands" shall refer to lands where naturally occurring or 
indigenous energy resources exist; 
m) "Energy resources" shall refer to surface or subsurface substances that 
serve as energy sources. These are traditionally mineral fuel deposits such as coal, 
petroleum, natural gas or renewable resources from geothermal, hydro resei-voirs, or 
non-conventional sources such as ocean waves, solar, wind, biomass, and other similar 
resources which serve the same purpose; 
n)"EnvironmentaiZy critical areas" shall refer to areas declared by law as: (a) 
areas for natural parks, watershed reserves, wildlife preserves, and sanctuaries; (b) 
areas set aside as aesthetic potential tourist spots; (c) areas which constitute the habitat 
of any endangered or threatened species or indigenous Philippine wildlife @ora and 
fauna); (d) areas of unique historic, archaeological, or scientific interests; (e) areas which 
are traditionally occupied by ICCs/IPs; (t) areas with critical slopes; (g) areas frequently 
visited and/or hard hit by natural calamities (geologic hazards. floods, typhoons and 
volcanic activities); (h) prime agricultural lands; (i) recharge areas of aquifers; (j) water 
bodies; (k) mangrove areas; (I) coral reefs; (m) mossy and virgin forests; (n) iivers and 
river banks; and (0) swamp forest and marshlands; and (p) 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 
6 


food security and food self sufficiency as determined by concerned agencies and LGU's 
in consultation with the concerned sectors; 
o)"Exhausted mineral resources" shall refer to a situation where the mineral 
resources in specific sites.2i-e no longer in sufficient quantity or quality to justify 
additional expenditure for extraction or utilization; 
p)"Food security" shall refer to the policy objective of meeting the food 
availability, accessibility, and affordability requirements of the present and future 
generations of Filipinos in a sustainable manner, through local production or 
importation, only when there is shortage established based on a micro level situation, or 
both, based on the country's existing and potential resource endowments and related 
production advantages, and consistent with the overall national development objectives 
and policies; 
q)"Food self-sufficiency" shall refer to the policy objective of meeting the food 
requirements through intensive local food production in a sustainable manner based on 
the country's existing and potential resource endowments and related production 
advantages; 
r) "Forestlands" shall refer to lands of the public domain which have been 
classified or declared as such and all unclassified lands of the public domain; 
s) //Foreshore land" shall refer to a string of land margining a body of water, 
the part of a seashore between the low-water line usually at the seaward margin of a 
low tide terrace and the upper limit of wave wash at high tide usually marked by a 
beach scarp or berm; 
t) "Geo-hazards" shall refer to natural and man-induced geological processes 
that have potential to cause destruction and pose a threat or risk to man's life and 
property; 
u) "Disaster-prone areas or geo-hazard areas" shall refer to areas frequently 
visited and/or vulnerable or prone to experience weather/climatic, hydrologic, 
geologic, and other natural calamities; 
v) "Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC.s/lPs)" shall 
refer to groups of people or homogenous societies identified under the IPRA; 
w) "Inland waters" shall refer to waters, which are not coastal and marine 
waters not subject to acquisitive prescription consistent with the provisions of 
Presidential Decree No. 1067, otherwise known as the "Water Code of the Philippines"; 
x) "Integrated watershed management'' shall refer to a planning strategy or 
program for watershed areas that complement environmentally-sound soil and water 
management practices with mechanisms for ensuring greater responsibility, 
involvement, or participation of individuals, groups, communities and other 
stakeholders benefiting from these areas and water-related infrastructure; 
y)"Land" shall refer to resources, both man-made and natural, found on the 
surface, below, and above the ground including inland waters and the air therein; 
z) "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, 
7 


alienable or disposable agricultural lands, national parks, and mineral lands in 
accordance with existing laws and this Act; 
"Land use" shall refer to the manner of utilization of land, 
including its allocation, development, and management; 
"Land use classification" shall refer to the act of delineating or 
allocating lands according to protection land use, production land 
use, settlements development, and infrastructure development as 
defined and provided for in this Act; 
"Laud Use Policy Council" shall refer to the administrative, 
policy-making, regulatory, and quasi-judicial body created under 
Section 14 this Act; 
"Mandatory public hearings/consultations" shall refer to the 
mechanism to ensure the involvement of affected sectors in land 
use planning from the local to the national level. It involves giving 
notice of 
hearing/consultation to affected sectors through 
publication , or posting in conspicuous places, conduct of a 
reasonable number of hearings, and solicitation of positions and 
the public presentation and validation of the planning results 
before the final adoption of the plans; 
"Mineral exploration" shall refer to the systematic searching or 
prospecting for mineral resources including energy resources; 
"Mineral lands" shall refer to lands where mineral resources are 
found; 
'/Multiple use of land resources" shall refer to the utiltzation or 
management strategy for forest lands, which allows any activity 
thereat, involving one or more of its resources, depending on the 
result of prior evaluation on its numerous beneficial uses, that will 
produce the optimum benefits to the development and progress of 
the country and the public welfare without impairment 0; with the 
least injury to its other resources; 
"Network of Protected Areas for Agriculture and Agro-industrial 
Development (NPAAAD)" shall refer to agricultural areas 
identified by the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of 
Soils and Water Management (BSWM) in coordination with the 
National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) 
in order to ensure the efficient utilization of land for agriculture 
and agro-industrial development and promote sustainable growth. 
The NPAAAD covers all irrigated areas; all irrigable lands already 
covered by irrigation projects with firm funding commitments; all 
alluvial plains; land highly suitable for agriculture whether 
irrigated or not; agro-industrial croplands or lands planted to 
industrial crops that support the validity of existing agricultural 
infrastructure and agro-based enterprises; highlands or areas 
located at an elevation of Five hundred (500) meters or above and 
have the potential for growing semi-temperate and high value 
8 


crops; all agricultural lands that are ecologically fragile the 
conversion of 
which will result in serious environmental 
degradation; and all mangrove areas and fish sanctuaries; 
"Physical framework plans" shall refer to the national, regional or 
provincial indicative plans embodying both policies and strategies 
that are prepared by the national, regional and provincial land use 
policy councils, respectively, to guide the desired direction and 
growth and to promote and advance appropriate resource 
utilization as a way of sustaining food security, promoting people's 
welfare, protection of environment; 
"Premature OY illegal conversion" shall refer to any activity that 
modifies or alters the physical characteristics of agricultural lands 
to render them suitable for non-agricultural purposes without an 
approved order of conversion from the DLR Secretary; 
"Prime agricultural land" shall refer to all irrigated areas, all 
irrigable lands already covered by irrigation projects with firm 
funding commitments; all alluvial plain land highly suitable for 
agriculture whether irrigated or not; ago-industrial croplands or 
lands presently planted to industrial crops that support the 
viability of existing agricultural infrastructure and agro-based 
enterprises, highlands, or areas located at elevation of 500 meters or 
above and have the potential for growing semi-temperature and 
high value crops; all agricultural lands that are ecologically fragile, 
the conversion of which will result in serious environmental 
degradation; and mangrove areas and fish sanctuaries; 
"Production land use" shall refer to the direct and indirect 
utilization of land to generate outputs resulting from the following 
activities: agricultural, fish farming or aquaculture, timber or agro- 
forestry, grazing and pasture, mining, indigenous energy resource 
development, industry, and tourism; 
"Protected areas" shall refer to portions of land set aside by reason 
of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to 
enhance biological diversity, and protected against destructive 
human exploitation. For purposes of this Act, it shall include 
agricultural lands identified and delineated under Section 29 
hereof; 
ii) 
jj) 
kk) 
11) 
mm) 
nn) 
"Protection land 
use" 
shall refer to the use of 
land 
primarily for rehabilitation, conservation, and protection purposes 
and the promotion of the country's ecological and life-support 
systems; 
"Public domain" shall refer to lands that belong to the State which 
may be any of the following: agricultural, forest or timber, mineral, 
or national park as provided for in the Constitution; 
00) 
pp) 
"Public lands" shall refer to lands which have not been subject to 
private property rights or subject to sale or other modes of 
9 


acquisition or concession under the general laws, and are devoted 
to public use; 
"Reclassification of agricultural lands" shall refer to the act of 
specifying how agricultural lands shall be utilized for non- 
agricultural uses such as residential, industrial, or commercial 
purposes through the local planning and zoning processes 
pursuant to Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code 
of 1991 and subject to the requirements and procedure for 
conversion. It is equivalent to lam sub-classification for classified 
lands of the public domain and also includes the reversion of non- 
agricultural lands to agricultural use; 
"Resettlement sites" shall refer to areas identified by the 
appropriate national agency or by the local government unit, with 
respect to areas within its jurisdiction, which shall be used for the 
relocation of the underprivileged and homeless, as defined under 
Republic Act No. 7279 or the Urban Developmept and Housing Act 
(UDHA); 
"Settlements" shall refer to communities or built-up environment 
areas where 
"Settlements development" shall refer to any improvement on 
existing settlements or any proposed development of certain areas 
for settlement purposes. It also involves the spatial distribution of 
population, identification of the roles and functions of key urban 
centers, determination of relationships among settlement areas, and 
the provision of basic services and facilities of identified major 
settlement areas or growth centers; 
"Shoreline" shall refer to a strip of land covering at least one (1) 
kilometer from the point where sea water reaches during the 
highest high tide; 
"Socialized housing" shall refer to housing programs and projects 
undertaken by the government or the private sector for the 
underprivileged and homeless citizens which shall include sites 
and services development, long-term financing, liberalized terms 
on interest payments, and such other benefits in accordance with 
the UDHA; 
"Socialized housing zones" shall refer to lands identified and 
designated by LGUs as sites for socialized housing pursuant to 
Article IV of the UDHA and its implementing guidelines; 
"Sustainable development" shall refer to the development objective 
of meeting the needs of the present generation without 
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own 
needs consistent with the principles of social equity, efficiency, and 
environmental integrity; 
"Tourism development areas" shall refer to specific sites for 
10 
people prefer to live in; 


tourism development located in areas identified as priorities in the 
nations! and regional, area specific tourism master plans and other 
sector plans such as eco-tourism and agri-tourism sites, including 
those designated through legislative and executive issuances i.e., 
tourist spots, tourist zones and tourism ecozones which can be 
developed into tourism estates or integrated resort, leisure, and 
recreation complexes, and other tourism related facilities; 
“Tourism estates” shall refer to large tracts of land with well- 
defined boundaries in any area identified in the Philippine tourism 
master plan and regional tourism master plan, by proclamation of 
the President and/or by an Act of Congress including local 
legislation. Such land shall be suitable for the development of an 
integrated tourism and resort complex including but not limited to 
accommodation facilities, food and beverage outlets, convention 
and meeting areas, sports, recreational and leisure centers and 
commercial outlets among others. It shall be provided with roads, 
water supply facilities, power and utilities like potable water, 
drainage sewerage disposal, solid waste disposal system and other 
necessxy infrastructure. The estate shall be under one unified and 
continuous management; 
ZZ) 
aaa) 
bbb) 
ccc) 
ddd) 
eee) 
“Tourism ecozone” shall refer to tourism development areas 
which have been granted Special Economic Zone status, 
through PEZA registration and issuance of the required 
Presidential Proclamation, with its metes and bounds 
delineated by said Proclamdtion, pursuant to RA 7916, as 
amended; 
”Tourist spot” shall refer to a particular area/site/spot, 
man-made or natural, known for its unique tourist/visitor- 
drawing attributes and activities. 
It may be classified 
according to its social, cultural, natural, historical, scientific, 
religious, and recreational significance; 
”Tourist zone” shall refer to a geographic area with well- 
defined boundaries proclaimed as such by the President of 
;he Philippines and/or by Acts of 
Congress. No 
development projects for any purpose shall be initiated and 
introduced within the zone prior to the formulation of a 
tourism master 
development plan 
which shall be 
undertaken in coordination with the Department of Tourism 
and the Philippine Tourism Authority. A tour& zone is 
established for the enhancement and/or the conservation of 
cultural and historical heritage and for the appreciation and 
enjoyment of the local population and its visitors; 
”Urban areas“ shall refer to all cities regardless of their 
population density and to municipalities with population 
density of at least Five hundred (500) persons per square 
kilometer; 
“Urbanizable areas” shall refer to sites and lands which, 
11 


considering 
present 
characteristics 
and 
prevailing 
conditions, display marked and great potential of becoming 
urban areas within a period of five (5) years; 
fff) 
"Urban forestry or green space" shall refer to the 
establishment or setting-up of areas for mini-forest or small 
nature parks, lining roads and highways with trees, shrubs, 
or ornamental plants, and ground landscaping of schools, 
hospitals, and other government agencies in order to 
improve the environment in urban areas; 
ggg) 'Water security" shall refer to the sufficient access 
throughout the year to the minimum daily requirement of 
clean water to maintain a healthy life; 
hhh) 'Water use" shall refer to the appropriation of water for 
domestic, municipal, irrigation, power generation, inland 
fisheries, poultry and livestock, industrial and commercial, 
environmental, and recreational use; 
iii) 
"Watershed" shall refer to a topographically delineated area 
of land from which rainwater can drain as surface run-off 
vis-a-vis a specific stream or river system to a comr.on outlet 
point which may be a dam, irrigation system or urban water 
supply take-off point, or where the stream discharges into a 
river, lake, or the sea; 
"Zoning" shall refer to the regulatory tool for delineating the 
specific uses of lands in accordance with the approved 
CLUP 
within 
the 
territorial 
jurisdiction 
of 
a 
cityjmunicipality and specifying the conditions for their 
regulation; subject to the limitations imposed by law and 
competent authority; and, 
"ZO or zoning ordinance" shall refer to .3 local law passed 
by the sangguniang pambayan or panglunsod approving the 
development controljzoning plan in accordance with an 
approved or adopted CLUP for the city/municipality, and 
providing for the regulations and other conditions on the 
uses of land including the limitation on the infrastructure 
that may be placed thereon within the territorial jurisdiction 
of a city or municipality. It incorporates the protected areas 
under Section 12(b) and the protected agricultural lands 
under Section 29 hereof. 
jjj) 
kkk) 
CHAPTER 111 
PHYSICAL FRAMEWORK 
AND LAND USE PLANS 
SEC. 5. National Framework for Physical Planning.- The Land use Policy 
Council (LUPC) created in Section 14 herein, in consultation with the concerned sectors 
through the mandatory conduct of public hearings, shall formulate, periodically update 
and ensure the implementation of the National Framework for Physical Planning 
(NFPP) that shall serve as the general long-term framework for the spatial development 
12 


directions of the entire COEiitry and provide the analytical parameters for the planned 
allocation, use and management of the country's land and other physical resources. The 
NFPP shall be the basis for adopting land use and physical planning-related guidelines 
and standards, including zoning and other land use control standards that will guide 
the formulation of city/municipal zoning ordinances. 
SEC. 6. National Land Use Planning Process.- The land use and physical 
planning process shall be formulated following a combined bottom-up and top-down 
approach. The NFPP, which guides the planning and management of the country's 
land and other physical resources at the national and sub-national levels, shall indicate 
broad spatial directions and policy guidelines on settlement development, production 
land use, protection land use and infrastructure development. The Regional Physical 
Framework Plans (RPFPs) and, consequently, the Provincial Physical Framework Plans 
(PPFPs) and Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs), which cover the physical 
development of their respective territories, shall be consistent with the NFPP; provided 
that the integration and harmonization of physical framework plans at all levels shall be 
iterative to ensure that the concerns of both top and bottom levels of government are 
considered in the NFPP, RPFPs, PPFPs and CLUPs. The physical and land hse plans 
prepared at all levels shall have internal consistency specifically on the linkages of the 
major land use categories to ensure their complementation in the ufilization, 
development and management of resources. 
SEC. 7. City and Municipal Land Use Plans.- The CityjMunicipal Planning and 
Development Office, in consultation with concerned sectors through mandatory 
conduct of public hearings, shall prepare the CLUP to determine the specific uses of 
land and other physical resources therein including areas co-managed with the national 
government and, as appropriate, the ancestral domain areas. Guided by the PPFP, the 
CLUP shall embody the desired land use patterns and mixes of the city or municipal 
territory and provide appropriate policies for each of the four land use planning 
categories that shall guide and serve as framework for more detailed development and 
sectoral planning: Proziided, That, jointly with the DENR and the Department of 
Agriculture (DA), barangays located within public forestlands shall prepare a 
comprehensive barangay land use plan (BLUP), which shall guide the local residents on 
the uses, management, development, and accountability over areas determined in the 
plan as multiple-use zones for settlements development, low impact agriculture, and 
agroforestry purposes, including those areas that need community management and 
protection as production ioiestlands or protection forests: Provided, ho7icc,euer, That the 
preparation of management plans for protected areas shall be in accordance with the 
provisions of R.A. No. 7586 or the NIPAS Act or other laws establishing or declaring a 
specific area as a permanent component of the NIPAS. 
The BLUPs for areas within 
public forestlands shall be integrated in the CLUP, subject to consultation with the 
concerned City/Municipal Land Use Planning Office. 
The CLUP shall be translated into a zoning ordinance by the concerned 
sanggiinian to regulate the uses of land, including the limitations on height, density and 
bulk of buildings and other infrastructure that may be placed thereon. 
SEC. 8. Provincial Physical Framework Plans.- In consultation with concerned 
sectors, the Provincial Planning and Development Office shall prepare the PPFP to 
determine the physical development of the entire provincial territory, consolidating and 
harmonizing the land use plans of component cities and municipalities, and defining 
the uses of land and other resources within the province consistent with the policies in 
the RPFP. It shall submit the PPFP to the Provincial Land Use Policy Council, created 
13 


under Section 20 of this Act, for review and endorsement to the Sangguniang 
Punlaluriiigun, which shall adopt the same pursuant to Section 468 (2) (vii) of the LGC. 
SEC. 9. Regional Physical Framework Plans.- In consultation with concerned 
sectors, the Regional Land Use Policy Council (RLUPC) shall define the desired spatial 
arrangement of land-using activities in the entire region, consolidating and 
harmonizing the provincial physical framework plans of provinces and independent 
cities within the territorial jurisdiction of the region.The RPFP, which depicts an end- 
state scenario toward which efforts and activities are directed, shall consist of spatially- 
based and area-focused policies, consistent with those in the NFPP, to guide detailed 
physical, socio-economic, sectoral and investment planning. 
CHAPTER IV 
FRAMEWORK 
FOR LAND USE PLANNING 
SEC. 10. 
Priorities in Land Use Allocation and Planning.- In projecting 
spatial allocation for different land uses, the LGUs shall first exclude areas under 
protection land use of Section 13(A) hereof, national parks, energy resource lands, and 
prime agricultural lands to ensure ecological integrity, energy supply, and promote 
food security. Areas with prior rights and those with site-specific resources for basic 
services, such as but not limited to, water and indigenous energy resources, shall also 
be excluded. Spatial allocation and planning shall then proceed in accordance with 
Sections 12 and 13 hereof with priorities given to integrated watershed management 
areas, socialized housing sites, fisherfolk settlement in coastal areas, and waste disposal 
sites. 
SEC. 11. Adoption of Multiple Uses of Land Resources.- The primary and 
alternative uses of a specific land resource shall be determined and evaluated prior to 
any decision for the assignment of its use. Areas feasible for sustainable land resource 
use may be considered multiple-use zones wherein settlements, tourism, agriculture, 
agro-forestry and extraction activities and other income-generating or livelihood 
activities may be allowed: Provided, That multiple uses of land resources shall be in 
accordance with priorities in land use allocation and planning and that no 
reclassification shall be allowed. 
SEC. 12. Basic Land, Use Planning Considerations.- In determining the various 
land uses, the people and their productive activities and the need for functional open 
spaces and preservation areas as well as the various interrelationships of the physical 
characteristics of the land and other elements therein shall be considered, among others, 
the following: 
Availability of natural resources including indigenous energy resources 
for energy security and self-sufficiency; 
Geology, geomorphology, geologic hazard, climate, soil and slope; 
Economic, environmental, social and related development activities; 
Existing government policies on land and natural resources a'llocation, 
utilization, management and disposition; 
Technological changes/ advancement; 
14 


(f) 
Existing customary rights for the protection of indigenous peoples and 
vulnerable groups including women and urban poor; 
Inventory of prior and existing rights, to harmonize determination of land 
use. 
(g) 
SEC. 13. Categories of Land Uses for Planning Purposes. In determining and 
defining the NFPP, RPFPs, PPFPs, 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 
rehabilitation, conservation, and protection purposes and the promotion of 
the country’s ecological and life-support systems. Planning for protection 
land use intends to achieve environmental stability and ecological integrity, 
ensure a balance between resource use and the preservation of some areas 
with environmental, aesthetic, educational, cultural and historical 
significance, a i d  protect people and man-made structures from the ill- 
effects of natural hazards. Areas under this category are those under the 
coverage of Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected 
Areas System (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.1. Reserved second growth forests above 1,000 meters in elevation and 
those 50% in slope gradient; 
a.2. Mangrove and fish sanctuaries, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8435 
and Republic Act No. 8550; 
a.3. Buffer zones or strips/easements, pursuant to P.D. No. 705 and P.D. 
No. 1067; 
a.4. Salvage zones along foreshore areas, freshwater swamps and marshes, 
plazas and heritage/historic sites, pursuant to P.D. No. 2146; 
a.5. Watersheds or sources of domestic supply; 
a.6. Utility easement like transmission lines of power companies, oil and 
gas facilities, cell sites, and domestic water lines; or 
a.7. Amenity areas or those with high aesthetic values, pursuant to P.D. 
No. 2146. 
a.8 Natural and man-made areas/sites of cultural, historical and 
anthropological significance, which are declared as such by 
internationally recognized organizations and concerned national 
agencies. 
(b) 
Production Land Use shall refer to the direct and indirect utilization of 
land resources for crop, fishery, livestock and poultry production,, 
agroforestry, mining, industry, energy 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, fishponds, and fish cages, coastal and 
marine zones, production forest which comprise lands 18% to 50% in 
slope gradient such as: residual dipterocarps, rangelands for grazing 
purposes, industrial tree plantation/IFMA, community based agro- 
forestry areas and other reforestation projects; mineral lands or mining 
areas and reservations, energy resource lands, industrial development 
areas, and tourism development areas where productive activities could 
be undertaken to meet the country's requirements for food security, 
economic growth and development. 
Settlements Development shall refer to any improvement on existing 
settlements in urban and rural areas or any proposed development of 
certain areas for settlement purposes involving the spatial distribution of 
population, identification of the roles and functions of key urban centers, 
determination of relationships among settlement areas, and the provision 
of basic services and facilities to such settlement. 
The settlement 
development plan ensure for the present and future generation the 
following: i) effective integration of activities within and among 
settlements, allowing efficient movement of people and production of 
commodities through the provision of appropriate land, infrastructure, 
and facilities; and ii) access of the population to housing, education, health 
care, recreation, transportation and communication, sanitation, and basic 
utilities such as water, power, waste disposal, and other services. 
Infrustuucture Development seeks to provide basic services and foster 
economic and other forms of integration necessary for producing or 
obtaining the material requirements of Filipinos, in an efficient, 
responsive, safe and ecologically friendly built environment. ,It covers 
these sub-sectors: transportation, communications, indigenous energy 
exploration and development, water resources, and social infrastructure. 
Provided, That the determination of functional uses of lands within 
ancestral domains shaIl consider traditional resource and management 
systems that'do not endanger the lives and property of the local 
community and neighboring areas or increase I the vulnerability of the 
natural environment to the effects of natural and man-induced geological 
process e s . 
(c) 
(d) 
CHAPTER V 
IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE AND MECHANISM 
Article 1 
Land Use Policy Council 
SEC. 14. Creation of the Land Use Policy Council (LUPC).- The LUPC is 
hereby created. It shall exercise the powers and responsibilities of the National Land 
Use Committee (NLUC) and the powers and functions vested by law to the Housing 
and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) pertaining to land use planning. The LUPC 
shall act as the highest policy making body on land use and resolve land use policy 
conflicts between or among agencies, branches, or levels of the gowrnment. It shall 
integrate efforts, monitor developments relating to land use and the evolution of 
policies, and regulate and direct land use planning processes. 
16 


SEC. 15. Composition of the LUPC.- The LUPC shall be composed of sixteen 
(16) members. 
a) 
b) 
c) 
The Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning as Chairperson; 
The Secretaries of Environment and Natural Resources and Agriculture as 
Vice-Chairpersons; 
The Secretaries of Land Reform, Trade and Industry, Public Works and 
Highways, Transportation and Communications, Tourism, Interior and 
Local Government, Justice, Transportation and Communication and Energy; 
The Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating 
Council; and 
A representative each from four (4) basic sectors directly involved in land 
use, namely: urban poor, peasants, fisherfolk, and indigenous peoples who 
shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines based on the 
nomination and recommendation of the respective sectcral councils of the 
National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). Two sectoral representatives 
shall be women. 
d) 
e) 
A consultative body shall likewise be convened at least once a year or as often as 
may be necessary. It shall be composed of representatives from the Leagues of 
Municipalities, Cities, and Provinces, other government agencies not represented in the 
LUPC, and from non-government sectors such as the private sector, NGOs and POs, 
and the academic community. 
SEC. 16. Powers and Functions. The LUPC shall have the following powers and 
a) Advise the President of the Philippines and the NEDA Board on all matters 
functions: 
concerning land use and physical planning; 
b) Integrate and harmonize all laws and policies relevant to land use to' come up 
with a rational, cohesive, and comprehensive national land use framework; 
c) Formulate policies and endorse land use and physical planning-related policies 
that may be formulated by the RLUPC and concerned agencies as well as 
promulgate zoning and other land use control standards and guidelines which 
shall guide the formulation of land use plans and zoning ordinances by local 
governments; 
d) Prepare, periodically review and if necessary, update the NFPP and RPFP to 
provide the general framework for the spatial development directions for the 
entire country and sub-national levels; 
e) Establish a National Land Resource Information and Management System that 
shall integrate and process information on land use and allocation generated 
by the various national government agencies; define information requirements 
at various levels; and standardize information inputs and outputs including 
scales and symbols used in territorial and sectoral maps; 
f) Undertake the gathering of data, the conduct of studies pertaining to land use 
planning including studies on the management of identified land uses and 
such other studies not undertaken by other government agencies; 
g) Recommend to the President of the Philippines the adoption, passage, or 
17 


amendment of laws to ensure that sectoral programs, plans, projscts, and 
activities, including local government initiatives affecting land use are 
consistent with national development objectives; 
h) Coordinate with and assist other government agencies and LGUs in planning, 
developing, and implementing their land use classification programs, and 
provide, to the extent possible, technical assistance and guidance; 
i) Monitor and coordinate the activities of concerned agencies and entities of the 
government, as well as LGUs, in the enforcement and implementation of 
policies and regulations relating to land use and resource management and 
development; 
Call on any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the 
government, and or private entities and organization for cooperation, support, 
and assistance in the performance of its functions; 
k) Assist the LGUs in the formation of local land use policy councils at the local 
j) 
levels; 
1) Design and implement, in coordination with the DILG, a long-term capability- 
building program for LGUs to enable them to undertake a participatory and 
effective land use planning; 
m) To prescribe, in consultation with the DILG and other concerned agencies, as 
applicable, the land valuation of the specific land use categories listed in 
Section 13 hereof, to ensure the equitable access of the land to all sectors, taking 
into consideration that to keep basic services affordable to the public, land 
valuation where these services are located shall be kept to the minimum; 
n) Decide and resolve policy conflicts on land use between or among agencies, 
branches, or levels of the government and unresolved land use policy conflicts 
at the regional level: 
0) Adopt rules of procedures for the orderly and expeditious conduct of'meetings 
and other business of the Council; and 
p) Perform such other acts and functions and exercise such other powers as may 
be necessarily implied, inherent, incident, or related to the foregoing. 
SEC. 17. LUPC Technical Board (LUPC-TB). A Technical Board shall be created 
to provide technical support to the LUPC. It shall be composed of 
a. 
NEDA 
Deputy 
Director-General for Regional 
Development 
as 
Chairperson; 
Representatives of the member agencies/institutions of the LUPC, who 
shall have a rank not lower than Director level; and 
The representatives of the four (4) basic sectors as enumerated in Section 
15 (e) of this Act. 
b. 
c. 


SEC. 18. Offices, Units and Staff Support. The NEDA Regional Dev'elopment 
Office shall continue to provide core secretariat services to LUPC, its Technical Board 
and RLUPC. Other government agencies may also be called upon for staff support. 
Article 2 
Local Development Councils as Local Land Use Policy Councils 
SEC. 19. Cityflunicipal Development Councils. The City/Municipal Development 
Councils (C/MDCs), created under Section 106 of the LGC, shall act as the 
City/Municipal Land Use Policy Council that will tackle land use concerns whenever 
necessary. 
In addition to the functions enumerated in Section 109 of the LGC, the C/MDC 
a. 
Advise the Scltgguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlungsod on a11 matters 
pertaining to land use and physical planning; 
Review and endorse to the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlungsod 
for adoption, the CLUP prepared and periodically updated by the 
CityjMunicipal Planning and Development Office and other land use and 
physical planning-related policies; and 
Decide and resolve conflicts regarding the violation of zoning ordinances 
including opposition to applications for locational clearances, permits or 
certificates. 
shall: 
b. 
c. 
For purposes of this Act, the City/Municipal Planning and Development 
Coordinator (C/MPDC) shall (a) act on all applications for locational clearances for all 
projects except those of vital and national economic or environmental significance, and 
(b) monitor on-going/existing projects within their respective jurisdictions and issue 
notices of violation to owners, developers, or managers of projects that are violative of 
zoning ordinances. 
The C/MDC may call upon any local official concerned such as C/MPDC, 
City/Municipal Agriculturist, City/Municipal Environment and Natural Resources 
Officer, City/Municipal Engineer, City/Municipal Assessor, or any official of national 
agencies during discussions on land use and physical planning concerns. 
Local government units without operational C/MDCs as mandated by the 1991 
LGC shall activate their respective Councils within six (6) months from the effectivity of 
this Act. 
SEC. 20. 
Provincial Land Use Policy Council (PLUPC). 
The Provincial 
Development Council (PDC), created under Section 106 of the LGC, shall act as the 
Provincial Land Use Policy Council that will tackle land use concerns whenever 
necessary. 
In addition to the functions enumerated in Section 109 of the LGC, the PLUPC 
shall: 
a. 
Advise the Scxgguniang Panlalawigan on all matters pertaining to land use 
and physical planning; 
19 


b. 
Review and endorse to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for adoption, the 
PPFP prepared and periodically updated by the Provincial Planning and 
Development Office and other land use and physical planning-related 
policies; 
c. 
Assist the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in reviewing the CLUPs of 
component cities/municipalities to ensure consistency with the PPFP and 
compliance with the limits prescribed under the 1991 LGC for 
reclassifying agricultural lands; and 
Decide and resolve policy conflicts on land use planning, classification, 
and, allocation that may arise between or among cities/municipalities and 
any unresolved land use conflicts at the city/municipal level. 
d. 
The PLUPC may call upon any local official concerned such as Provincial 
Planning and Development Coordinator, Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial 
Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Provincial Engineer, Provincial Assessor, 
or any official of national agencies and other relevant agencies during discussions on 
land use and physical planning concerns. 
SEC. 21. Regional Land Use Policy Council (RLUPC). At the regional level, the 
RLUPC will be institutionalized, replicating the LUPC structure and composition. The 
RLUPC shall have the following functions: 
a. 
b. 
Adopt regional policies on land use and physical planning; 
Prepare and periodically update the RPFP, taking into consideration 
national polices and lower level plans; 
c. 
Review, prior to adoption by respective Sanggunians, the PPFPs and 
CLUPs of highly urbanized and independent component cities to ensure 
consistency with the RPFP and national policies set forth by LUPC and 
compliance With limits prescribed under the 1991 LGC for reclassifying 
agricultural lands; 
d. 
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; 
Monitor changes in land use and other physical resources in the region; 
Coordinate and monitor the land use activities of regional line agencies 
and LGUs; 
e. 
f. 
g. 
Evaluate consistency of major programs and projects with the RPFP and 
their impact on land use and the environment; 
h. 
Undertake the gathering of regional data for th? Land Resource 
Information and Management System, and; 
Perform other related functions as may be directed by the LUPC: 
i. 
20 


Article 3 
Adoption, Approval and Review of Land Use Plans 
SEC. 22. 
Component Cities and Municipalities.- 
Component cities and 
municipalities shall have the power and authority to adopt and approve their 
respective CLUPs and 2 0 s  through their respective sangguniuns subject to the power of 
review of their respective provinces only with respect to the consistency of the CLUPs 
and ZOs with Section 6 hereof on the preparation of the PPFP. 
SEC. 23. Provinces and Independent and Highly Urbanized Cities.- Provinces 
and independent and highly urbanized cities shall have the power and authority to 
adopt and approve their respective CLUPs, ZOs or PPFP, as the case may be, through 
their respective sunggunian but subject to the review of the RLUPC as provided in 
Section 21 hereof. 
Article 4 
Responsibilities of the National Government Agencies and LGUs 
SEC. 24. National Base Mapping Program.- A national mapping program shall be 
implemented, coordinated, and monitored through the creation of an Inter-agency 
Technical Committee (ITC) composed of the National Mapping and Resource 
Information Authority (NAMRIA), as the lead agency, the Bureau of Soils and Water 
Mamgement (BSWM), the Forest Management Bureau (FMB), the Land Management 
Bureau (LMB), the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), the Mines and 
Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology And Seismology 
(PHIVOLCS), DLR, the National Water Resources Board (NSWRB), DOE, NEDA and 
other concerned government agencies/bureaus. The ITC shall be constituted, and the 
mapping program initiated, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act. 
For purposes of uniformity and standardization, the LGUs, to be assisted by the 
appropriate agencies of the national government, shall likewise prepare their tespective 
territorial maps using scales, symbols, and other indicators to be prescribed in 
accordance with this Act: 
The completed maps shall be integrated in the NFPP 
pursuant to Section 9 hereof. 
SEC. 25. National Geo-hazard Mapping Program.- Within thirty (30) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, a nationwide geo-hazard mapping program shall be 
initiated jointly thru the LUPC by the PHIVOLCS, the Philippine Atmospheric 
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the NAMRIA, the 
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), BSWM, and DOE, in coordination'with the 
NatiGnal Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), the Regional Disaster Coordinating 
Councils, and other concerned government agencies. The program shall include the 
generation of indicative geo-hazard zoning maps that will outline areas in the 
Philippines which are prone to liquefaction, land slides, flooding, lahar, ground 
rupturing, tsunami, river erosion, coastal erosion. sinkhole collapse, earthquake, lava 
flow, pyroclastic flow, base surge, and other natural hazards. 
For purposes of uniformity and standardization and in order to develop a safe- 
built environment, the LGUs shall subsequently incorporate and integrate the 
generated geo-hazard zoning maps in their respective CLUPs. Said geo-haz9rd maps 
shall serve as guide for all the LGUs in the preparation of their own hazards-- 
constrained development plans. The NFPP, pursuant to Section 5 hereof, shall 
incorporate these geo-hazard maps. 
21 


AII infrastructure activities including real estate and subdivision projects and the 
development of tourist spots requiring an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) 
shall be required to submit an Engineering Geological and Geo-hazard Assessment 
Report (EGGAR). 
SEC. 26. Scope and Nature of Responsibilities of Other National Government 
Agencies.- 
All concerned national government agencies/ bodies shall periodically 
report to the LUPC on the various activities and accomplishments relative to land use. 
Likewise, they shall provide their respective sectoral/development plans and render 
technical and administrative support if called upon by the LUPC relative to the 
implementation of the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 27. Submission of Annual Report on the Implementation of CLUPs.- 
The C/MDCs shall submit. an annual report on the implementation of their land use 
plans to the PLUPC, which shall integrate the same for submission to the RLUPC, 
which shall in turn integrate the provincial reports for submission to the LUPC. 
CHAPTER VI 
Article 1 
Agricultural Lands 
SPECIAL AREAS 
OF CONCERN 
SEC. 28. 
Priority Areas for Agricultural Development.- 
Priority areas for 
agricultural development are the CARP, CARPable areas, and the NPAAAD. 
SEC 29. Conversion of Agricultural Lands.- Agricultural lands are deemed 
converted to non-agricultural uses upon approval by the DLR of the application for 
conversion. Prime agricultural lands and specific types of lands to the extent necessary 
for attaining food self-sufficiency in rice and corn and food security in other basic 
commodities, as determined by the DA, subject to mandatory consultation: with the 
LGUs, the private sector, the NGOs, and POs, shall be protected from conversion, 
which shall include but not limited to areas under the NPAAAD: Provided, That all 
irrigated and irrigable lands, all lands developed or possessing the potential for 
development of high value,crops, and all agricultural lands that are ecologically fragile 
and whose conversion will result in serious environmental problems shall be given full 
protection from conversion, the areas under which are subject to review every,seven (7) 
years by the DA, with the mandatory public consultations: Provided, fi*rfher, That' 
consistent with the State policy on giving priority to the completion of the 
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), all lands subject to CARP including 
those lands covered under the notice of compulsory acquisition/voluntary offer to sell, 
production or profit-sharing, or commercial farm deferment shall also be protected 
from conversion pending the distribution and installation of the farmer beneficiaries, 
but thereafter, Section 65 of Republic Act No. 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian 
Reform Law (CARL) shall apply: Provided, finally, That the conversion of agricultural 
lands for use of priority government projects for basic services such as, but not limited 
to, irrigation and power shall be allowed only upon the recommendation of the 
Secretaries of the DA and DLR. 
Lands defined under Section 10 of R.A. No. 6657 shall remain exempted and 
excluded from the coverage of CARP. 
SEC. 30. 
Sub-classification or Re-classification of Agricultural Lands by 
LGUs.- Sub-classification or re-classification of agricultural lands to other uses under 
22 


Section 20 of the LGC of 1991 shall exclude the protected agricultural lands a8 stated in 
the preceding section. 
Moreover, such sub-cIassification/recIassification is not 
synonymous to conversion. The DA and DLR shall provide the LGUs with a complete 
list and maps of protected agricultural lands within their territorial jurisdictions. 
Article 2 
Forest Lands and Watershed Reservation 
SEC. 31. Reversion of Alienable and Disposable Lands to Forestlands.- Upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary of the DENR, duly reviewed and endorsed by the 
LUPC, and after due consultations with the concerned LGUs an3 affected parties, 
Congress may authorize the reversion of alienable and disposable lands of the public 
domain or portion thereof to forestlands. 
SEC. 32. Critical Watershed Areas.- The DENR, in coordination with the DA, 
LGUs, and other government agencies, including government-owned and-controlled 
corporations, and with mandatory public consultations, shall identify and delineate 
critical watershed areas that need to be protected, rehabilitated, enhanced, and/or 
withdrawn from uses that contribute to their further degradation. 
SEC. 33. 
Formulation and Implementation of Integrated Watershed 
Management Plans.- 
With the assistance of the DENR and upon mandatory 
consultations with the concerned sectors, the LGUs through their local land use 
committees shall prepare their watershed management plans which shall be integrated 
with their respective CLUPs. The formulation and integration of the plan shall be 
guided, among others, by the principle that the management and development of 
inland water resources shall be at the watershed level. 
In cases where the watershed areas transcend the boundaries of a particular 
municipality, an inter-LGU committee composed of representatives from local land use 
committees of the LGUs where the watershed area is located shall be formed.. With the 
assistance of the DENR and upon mandatory consultations with the concerned sectors, 
the inter-LGU committee shall formulate the watershed management plan for the said 
watershed area. 
The DENR and the concerned LGUs shall jointly implement the watershed 
management plan subject to regular consultations with and involvement of the 
community and other stakeholders in the implementation of the plan. 
Article 3 
Coastal Zones 
SEC. 34. Criteria on the Allocation and Utilization of Lands within the Coastal 
Zones.- The allocation and utilization of lands wjthin the coastal zones shall be guided 
by the following: 
a) Areas vegetated with mangrove species shall be preserved for mangrove 
production and shall not be converted to other uses; 
b) Areas that meet all accepted criteria on elevation, soil type, soil depth, 
topography, supply for successful fishpond development, and are not 
identified as mangrove protected areas, shall be utilized for aqbaculture 
purposes; 
23 


c) Areas sub-classified as mangrove and still suitable for use as such, or due 
to environmental conditions need to be preserved as mangrove, but is 
devoid of mangrove stands shall not be converted to other uses. The DENR 
shall ensure that these lands shall be reforested within a given period of 
time; 
d) Areas accessible to the sea and identified for fisherfolk settlement and 
housing shall be allocated to traditional fisherfolk who are inhabitants of 
the coastal communities and members of legitimate fisherfolk organizations 
and/ or holders of stewardship lease contracts or titles to ancestral domains 
or any form of property right arrangements who participate in coastal 
resource management initiatives, subject to the usual census procedures of 
the HUDCC. . 
e) Areas that are neither sub-classified as mangrove, fisherfolk settlement nor 
fishpond may be devoted to recreational or tourism purposes:, Puouided, 
That such undertaking will not result in environmental degradation and 
displacement of small fishers; 
Areas which are considered as traditional fishing grounds shall be used 
primarily for such purpose; 
f) 
g) Areas which have been allocated for small infrastructure needed by 
fisherfolk shall be allowed; and 
h) Areas which form part of foreshore lands as defined in this Act including 
those that are under lease agreements or arrangements shall undergo 
zoning and evaluation to determine their boundaries acd actual sizes and 
corresponding uses. 
SEC. 35. Coastal Land Zone Sub-classification.- All public lands in the coastal 
zones shall be subclassified into any of the following: fishponds, mangroves, protection 
from tidal surge, for preservation of biodiversity, habitats and sanc&aries for 
endangered wildlife, fisherfolk settlement, or recreational/ tourism areas. . No sub- 
classification of coastal zones to different uses shall be done without the following: 
a) Conduct of a comprehensive resource and environmental assessment by 
the DENR and respective LGUs and accredited NGOs and POs within their 
jurisdiction; and 
b) Prior consultation with local Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management 
Councils (FARMCs) formed under Republic Act No. 8550 or the Fisheries 
Code. 
SEC. 36. Zoning of Foreshore Areas.- Local government units, in coordination 
with the DENR, shall conduct zoning of their respective foreshore areas to assist 
government and community fishers identify priority areas for conservation and 
development, and to enable them to set targets for mangrove reforestation and 
rehabilitation. 
Article 4 
Mineral Lands 
SEC. 37. 
Criteria for the Utilization and Allocation of Land for Mining 
24 


Purposes.- Consistent with Section 5 of this Act and the provisions of Republic Act 
No. 7942 or the Mining Act of 1995, and to ensure that the objectives of maintaining 
ecological balance and maximizing economic returns to mining operations are realized, 
the aIlocation and utilization of lands for mining purposes shall be guided by the 
following: 
a) The principles of sustainable development and responsible mining; 
b) In case of small-scale mining, adequate and acceptable safeguards shall be 
instituted by the holders of mining rights or permits to prevent environmental 
degradation of the mining sites and adjacent areas; 
c) Mineral reservations which have become non-operational for more than ten 
(10) years as determined by the MGB shall be placed under appropriate 
surface management by the DENR; and 
d) Consistent with the Mining Act of 1995, areas closed to mining operations shall 
be periodically reviewed through mineral exploration to be undertaken by the 
DENR for the purpose of determining whether or not their continued closure 
is consistent with the national interest and, if warranted, recommend their 
reclassification as mineral lands. 
SEC. 38. Reversion of Mineral Lands.- All mineral lands with exhausted mineral 
resources, as determined by the MGB upon the recommendation of the DENR, shall 
revert to its original land classification, that is, as forest land or agricultural land. In the 
case of forestlands, the DENR may classify such areas for other purposes in 
consultation with concerned LGU’s, the DOT, and other national government agencies. 
Article 5 
Energy Resource Lands 
SEC. 39. Guidelines for the Utilization and Allocation of Lands for Energy 
Resource Exploration, Development, Production, Utilization, and Distribution 
Purposes.- 
To ensure that the objectives of maintaining ecological balknce and 
maximizing the power potential from indigenous energy resources in the most 
economical and environmentally-acceptable means are reaIized, the aIIocation and 
utilization of lands for said purposes shall be guided by the following, consistent with 
existing regulations and laws on energy resources: 
a) Indigenous energy resource exploration and development for the purpose of a 
National Energy Resource Inventory and Data Base as well as Energy 
Resource Block Map shall be allowed subject to the implementation of 
complementary watershed and other land management plans; 
b) Indigenous 
energy 
resource 
exploration, 
development, 
production, 
utilization, and distribution shall be subject to the appropriate requirements 
and processes of the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 
system. Each pioject shall secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate 
(ECC) prior to project implementation to ensure adequate and appropriate 
environmental management measures and optimum methods for resource 
access and recovery are utilized; and 
75 


c) Energy reservations or portions thereof which have become or have been 
established to be non-economically viable to operate or are no longer used for 
energy purposes shall be released to give way to other land uses, subject to 
existing laws covering energy reservations. 
SEC. 40. Reversion of Energy Resource Lands.- All exhausted indigenous 
energy resource lands not covered by proclamations shall automatically revert to the 
category of forestlands or agricultural lands open to disposition, whichever is 
appropriate. 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 additiona!.expenditure for their extraction and utilization. 
CHAPTER VI1 
SETTLEMENTS 
DEVELOPMENT 
SEC. 41. Town, City, and Settlements Development.- The development of 
town, city, and settlements through the zoning ordinances of cities and municipalities 
shall be guided by urban zoning standards designed to maximize existing urbiin spaces. 
SEC, 42. Settlements within Geo-hazard Areas.- Settlements within geo-hazard 
areas may be allowed provided that mitigating and/or protective measures are adopted 
to address the potential danger or risk to Iives and property within such settlements. In 
coordination with the concerned agencies of the government, the LUPC shall provide 
assistance to concerned LGUs and settlers in instituting safety and corrective measures 
to address the potential danger or risk. 
SEC. 43. Designation of Waste Disposal Site.- Each city or municipality shall 
identify, designate and allocate an area within their territorial jurisdiction to serve as 
waste disposal site within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act. The LGUs, in 
coordination with the DENR or any other competent authority, shall identify solid 
waste disposal sites in order to fast-track the conduct of environmental impact 
assessment study and to facilitate processing of the environmental compliance 
certificate. The site or area shall be identified in the city or municipality's CLUP. For 
this purpose, cities and municipalities shall establish their solid waste management 
program. Likewise, as provided under Section 33 of the LGC, cities and municipalities 
may, through appropriate ordinances, bind themselves towards the establishment of a 
common solid waste management program. 
Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DENR, in 
coordination with concerned agencies, shall promulgate the necessary guidelines and 
standards for the formulation and establishment of solid waste management programs 
by cities and municipalities, and shall submit the same to the LUPC for review and 
approval. 
SEC. 44. Designation and Zoning of Socialized Housing Zones.- Each city or 
municipality in urban, urbanizable and rural areas shall designate lands for socialized 
housing and resettlement areas for the immediate and future needs of the 
underprivileged and homeless in their territory, pursuant to existing laws and 
regulations. 
The designated sites for socialized housing shall be located in residential zones, 
and shall be zoned as socialized housing zones that are integrated in the city or 
municipality's zoning ordinance, pursuant to existing laws and regulations. 
26 


Fisherfolk settlements and housing in coastal municipalities shall be zoned near 
the sea for easy access to their livelihood as provided under Section 35 (d) of tkiis Act. 
SEC. 45. 
Urban Forest or Green Space.- Each city or highly urbanizing 
municipality shall identify, designate, and allocate lands owned by the city or 
municipality as urban forest or green space based on the guidelines and standards to be 
issued by the DENR and approved by the LUPC. 
CHAPTER VI11 
INDUSTRIAL 
DEVELOPMENT 
AREAS 
SEC. 46. 
Criteria for Designating Industrial Development Areas.- 
The 
identification and establishment of industrial development areas shall conform to the 
provisions of Republic Act No.7916, otherwise known as the Philippine Economic Zone 
Authority (PEZA) Law; the CARL, IPRA, UDHA, and the 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 System (NIPAS) and non-NIPAS areas that require 
protection; 
e) National and Urban Development and Housing Framework; 
9 Identified Socialized Housing Zones; 
g) NFPP and other existing national programs and policies. 
The designated industrial development areas shall become an integral part of the 
land use plan and zoning ordinance of the city or municipality where these ,areas are 
located. 
CHAPTER IX 
TOURISM 
DEVELOPMENT 
AREAS 
SEC. 47. 
Criteria for Designating Tourism Development Areas.- 
The 
identification, selection, and development of tourism development areas and tourism 
estates shall be done in consultation and coordination with the concerned LGUs, 
national government agencies, the private sector, and the affected communities. 
Tourism development areas shall likewise include those covered by legislative and 
executive issuances as tourist spots, tourist zones and tourism ecozones whith can be 
developed into tourism estates or integrated resort, leisure and recreation complexes 
and other tourism-related facilities as well as those identified in the national; regional 
tourism, and area specific tourism master plans and other sector plans: such as 
ecotourism and agri-tourism sites. 
Designated areas for tourism development shall become part of the CiUPs of the 
27 


cities or municipalities where these are located. 
SEC. 48. Identification and Declaration of Areas for Protection, Conservation 
and Preservation of Cultural Heritage.- 
The National Historical Institute (NHJ) 
and/or the National Museum in coordination with other concerned agencies, local 
communities, and the private sector, shall identify declared areas and structures which 
shall be protected and/or preserved as part of the Philippine cultural heritage. 
The LGUs in coordination with the NHJ, the National Commission for Culture 
and Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) shall designate 
historical zones to protect the historical integrity of said geographical areas and cultural 
space of intangible cultural properties, which are significant to a city/ municipality and 
the community. 
CHAPTER X 
INFRASTRUCTURE 
DEVELOPMENT 
SEC. 49. Allocation and Use of Land for Infrastructure Development.- Land, 
whether public or private, shall be allocated and utilized for priority infrastructure 
projects that are supportive of national or local development objectives. The NEDA, in 
consultation with the concerned national government agencies, LGUs, and tlie private 
sector shall identify and periodically review, update and/or revise the list of priority 
infrastructure projects subject to Sections 5 and 29 hereof, and Section 47 of the AFMA. 
In determining and evaluating the list of priority infrastructure projects, consideration 
shall be given to those that: 
(a) 
Respond to immediate and vital requirements of the national economy with 
priority on improving rural infrastructure and the development of the 
agriculture and fisheries sectors; 
Upgrade existing facilities to international standards; 
Address the need for sustainable settlements development; and, 
Help mitigate the destructive effects of natural disaster-causing phenomena 
or those that shall serve as alternatives to existing infrastructures found in 
natural hazard-prone areas: 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Provided, That the provision and implementation of infrastructure support shall 
be made compatible with existing environmental conditions and the physical, whether 
natural or man-made, and cultural character of the area. 
Mandatory public 
consultations pursuant to existing laws and regulations shall be held prior to the 
conduct of all infrastructure projects that will necessarily involve dislocation or 
displacement of people in the area: Provided, further, That the proponent of the 
infrastructure project shall follow the rules on just and humane eviction or demolition 
under Section 28 of the UPHA, notwithstanding the provisions of Republic Act No. 
8975, prohibiting lower courts from issuing temporary restraining orders, preliminary 
injunctions, or preliminary mandatory injunctions, and proponent shall follow IPRA,: 
Provided $nu&, that national government infrastructure projects shall allocate budget 
for the adequate relocation of displaced communities. 
SEC. 50. Infrastructure Projects Within Geo-hazard Areas.- Construction of 
priority infrastructure projects within hazard-prone areas shall be allowed Provided, 
28 


That mitigating and/or preventive measures are adopted to address the potential 
adverse economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts that will emanate from 
these infrastructure projects, subject to the findings and recommendations of a 
feasibility study/environmental impact assessment in accordance with Presidential 
Decree No. 1586 and Republic Act No. 4846. 
Existing projects that did not go through the process of an environmental impact 
assessment and pose threats to the environment, integrity of historic, archeological, or 
scientifically significant areas; or are impinging on critical ecosystems, may be: (a) 
terminated immediately, (b) required to implement an Environmental Management 
Plan; (c) gradually phased-out and relocated, or (d) maintained up to their life span, 
subject, however, to mitigating measures: Provided, That the rules on mandatory public 
consultations and just and humane eviction or demolition shall also be observed prior 
to the termination, gradual phase-out, or relocation of projects that will necessarily 
involve dislocation or displacement of people in the area. 
CHAPTER XI 
TRAINING, 
EDUCATION, AND VALUE FORMATION 
SEC. 51. Value Formation.- In order to create a well informed, responsible and 
committed citizenry who values the protection, conservation and development of the 
country's limited land, and other physical resources, the State shall mandate the 
inclusion of sustainable Iand use education or any subject related thereto in the 
curricula of primary, secondary and tertiary education. 
SEC. 52. Information and Education Campaign.- The LUPC shall undertake a 
nationwide education information campaign in land use and physical planning to be 
implemented by local and national government agencies. The DILG and concerned 
agencies shall formulate and implement a land use management capability-building 
program for national and local government officials, community leaders, NGOs, POs, 
religious sector, and the general public. 
CHAPTER XI1 
INCENTIVES, SANCTIONS, AND PENALTIES 
Article 1 
Incentives and Awards 
SEC. 53. Formulation of a System of Incentives and Awards.- The LUPC shall 
come out with a system of incentives and awards to LGUs that regularly update their 
CLUPs within the prescribed period, as follows: 
(a) 
Provinces, Highly Urbanized Cities, and Independent Component Cities - 
once every nine (9) years; and 
(b) 
Component cities and municipalities once every nine (9) years. 
SEC. 54. Priority in Giving Technical Assistance to LGUs.- In providing 
technical assistance and other forms of support related to land use management and the 
implementation of development plans, national government agencies shall giv'e priority 
to cities and municipalities with approved CLUPs. 
29 


Article 2 
Sanctions and Penalties 
SEC. 55. Fine for Non-Completion and Non-Commencement of Development 
of Agricultural Lands with Approved Order of Conversion.- A landowner and 
his/her designated developer or duly authorized representative who fails to commence 
and/or complete the development of agricultural lands with approved order of 
conversion shall be penalized, jointly or severally, with any of the following fines based 
on the zonal value of the land at the time the fine is imposed 
a. 
On failure to commence within one year from the date of conversion 
order: 
(1) Six percent (6%) of the zonal value of the subject land for the first three 
(3) hectares, 
(2) Fifteen percent (15%) of the zonal value of the subject land fok the next 
three hectares, and 
(3) Thirty percent (30%) of the zonal value of the subject land for the 
remaining area. 
Provided, That the order of conversion shall be deemed revoked 
automatically and the land shall revert to its original agricultural use and 
covered by the DLR through compulsory acquisition for distribution to 
qualified beneficiaries. 
sssb. On failure to complete fifty percent (50%) of the approved conversion 
plan within a specified time frame: Fifty percent (50%) of the zonal value 
of the subject land and the revocation of the conversion plan on the 
undeveloped portion which shall automatically revert to its original use 
as agricultural land. The same shall be covered under the CARP and 
processed for land distribution as soon as possible. 
SEC. 56. 
Authority to Impose Fine.- The DLR shall impose the penalty 
provided for under the preceding section. 
SEC. 57. Withdrawal of Local Development Permits or Licenses.- Upon 
receipt of notice from the DLR, the concerned agencies and the city or municipality 
shall withdraw or revoke any development permit and other licenses that may be 
necessary to develop the agricultural land subject of conversion. 
SEC. 58. Utilization of Fines.- The fines collected under Sections 55,60,61, and 
62 hereof shall automatically accrue to the Agrarian Reform Fund consistent with the 
provisions of the CARL, as amended. 
SEC. 59. 
Failure to Formulate, Enforce, and/or Implement the CLUPs.- 
Consistent with due process, the DILG shall investigate, review, and recommend 
appropriate action regarding local chief executives and other local officials and 
employees responsible for the formulation, enforcement, and/or implementation of the 
CLUPs in case of any of the following: 
(a) 
Failure to implement and enforce the CLUP due to negligence of duty; 
30 


(b) 
Failure to provide appropriate budgetary allocation to effect its 
implementation; and, 
Failure to complete the preparation of the CLUP despite the availability of 
funds, resources, and support by the Sanggunian concerned. 
(c) 
Any public official or employee, regardless of whether elected or appointed or 
holding office or employment in a casual, temporary, holdover, permanent, or regular 
capacity, found to be responsible for any of the foregoing acts, after due notice and 
hearing by the appropriate body or agency, shall be punished with forfeiture of salaries 
and allowances and suspension from: 
1. 
2. 
SEC. 60. 
Person(s) Abetting Illegal Conversion.- Any person initiating, 
causing, inducing, or abetting illegal conversion shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned 
from seven (7) to twelve (12) years and imposed a fine of not less than one, hundred 
thousand (100,000.00) pesos, or both at the discretion of the court: Provided, That if the 
offender is a public official or employee, whether elected or appointed, the penalty 
shall, in addition thereto, include dismissal through permanent separation from the 
service and forfeiture of all benefits and entitlements accruing to the public position 
and perpetual disqualification to run or apply for any elective or appointive public 
office: Provided, further, That if the offender is a juridical person, the penalty of 
imprisonment shall be imposed on the president, chief executive officer, manager, the 
Chairperson and all the members of the board, and other responsible officers thereof, 
and the fine shall be equivalent to the zonal value of the land or forty percent (40%) of 
the shareholders equity, as determined at the time of judgment whichever is higher, 
plus forfeiture of the land in favor of the State for sale though public auction, the 
proceeds of which shall automatically accrue to the agrarian reform fund as provided 
for in Section 58 of this Act. 
Six (6) to nine (9) months, in case of non-implementation of CLUP; or 
Three (3) to six (6) months, in case of non-completion of the CLUP. 
SEC. 61. Penalty for Reclassification of Protected Agricultural Lands and 
Exceeding the Limit of Areas Allowed for Reclassification.- Any person initiating, 
causing, inducing, or abetting the reclassification of protected agricultural areas into 
non-agricultural uses and exceeding the limits set forth under Section 20 of the LGC of 
1991, shall be penalized with imprisonment of twelve (12) years and a fine of not less 
than One hundred thousand (PlO0,OOO.OO) pesos, or both at the discretion of the Court: 
Provided, That if the offender is a public official or employee, the penalty shall, in 
addition thereto, include dismissal through permanent separatiori from the service 
whether elected or appointed and forfeiture of entitlements accruing to the public 
position, and perpetual dkqualification to run or apply for any elective or appointive 
public position: Provided, further, That if the offender is a juridical person, the penalty 
shall be imposed on the president, chief executive officer, manager, the Chairperson 
and all the members of the board, and other responsible officers thereof. 
SEC. 62. Payment of Disturbance Compensation.- Following the order of 
priority such as agricultural lessees and share tenants, regular farm workers, seasonal 
farm workers, other farm workers, actual tillers or occuqants of public lands, collective, 
or cooperative of the above beneficiaries, and others directly working on, the land 
affected by agricultural land use conversion shall be entitled to the payment of 
disturbance compensation equivalent to five (5) times the average of the gross harvests 
31 


on the landholding during the last five (5) preceding calendar years or a certain 
percentage of the converted land, whichever is higher, as determined by the DLR. 
CHAPTER XI11 
TRANSITORY 
AND FINAL PROVISIONS 
SEC. 63. Convening of the LUPC.- Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity 
of this Act, the Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning shall convene the LUPC. 
SEC. 64. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- Within sixty (60) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the LUPC shall promulgate the rules and regulations to 
implement the provisions of this Act. Said rules and regulations shall be submitted to 
the Congressional Oversight Committee for approval. 
SEC. 65. Congressional Oversight Committee on the Land Use Act.- There is 
hereby created a Congressional Oversight Committee composed of seven (7) members 
from the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and seven (7) 
members from the House of Representatives Committees on Natural Resources and 
Housing and Urban Development. The members from the Senate shall be appointed by 
the Senate President based on proportional representation of the parties or coalitions 
therein with at least two (2) senators representing the minority. The members from the 
House of Representatives shall be appointed by the Speaker also based on proportional 
representation of the parties or coalitions therein with at least two (2) members 
representing the minority. 
The secretariat of the Oversight Committee shall be drawn from the existing 
secretariat personnel of the committees comprising the oversight and the funding shall 
be taken from the appropriations of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. 
SEC. 66. Transfer of Powers and Functions.- The functions of the HLURB on 
land use planning as provided for under Section 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, and 5f of Executive 
Order No. 648 and EO No. 72, series of 1991, shall be transferred to the LUPC and its 
appropriate sub-national/LGU structures. The NLUC shall also transfer all its powers 
and functions to the LUPC and shall cease to exercise such functions. 
SEC. 67. 
Retirement/Separation from the Service and Reemployment.- 
Employees of the HLURB whose positions are declared redundant as a result of the 
implementation of this Act shall be entitled to separation pay and othe; benefits 
provided for under Sections 10.1 to 10.3 and 13 of Executive Order No. 366 dated 
October 4,2004. 
a. 
Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, government 
personnel who are separated as a result of the implementation of this Act 
shall immediately qualify for reemployment to other agencies or branches 
of the government including Government-Owned and/or -Controlled 
Corporations (GOCCs), Government Financial Institutions (GFIs), or local 
government units. 
SEC. 68. Appropriations.- The appropriations for the National Land Use 
Committee under the National Economic and Development Authority under the 
current General Appropriations Act shall be used to carry out the initial operations of 
the Land Use Policy Council. Thereafter, additional sums as may be necessary for the 
full inplementation of LUPC’s functions shall be included in the annuai General 
Appropriations Act. 
32 


SEC. 69. 
Review of Existing Land Use Plans.- 
Provinces, cities, and 
municipalities with existing land use plans shall review, revise, reconcile, and 
harmonize the same with the guidelines and standards set forth under this Act within 
one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act. 
SEC. 70. Repealini; Clause.- 
All republic acts, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, that are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Republic Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingIy. 
SEC. 71. Non-impairment C1ause.- Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to 
diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or available to marginalized or 
basic sectors under existing laws including but not limited to Republic Act Nos. 7279, 
6657,8371, and 8550. 
SEC. 72. 
Separability Clause.- 
If for any reason or reasons, any part or 
provision of this Act shall be declared or held to be unconstitutional or invalid other 
parts or provisions hereof, which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full 
force and effect. 
SEC. 73. Effectivity Clause.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved, 
33