NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
of H'.e gn'n etru^J
72 JUL14 PI-48
SENATE
s. No. 595
RECEIVED _
Introduced by Senator JUAN NIGUEL F. ZUBIRI
AN ACT
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL LAND USE POLICY, PROVIDING THE 
IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
A national land use policy is a primary tool to achieve national development and 
social equity. It is envisioned to provide a policy for the rational, holistic and just 
allocation, utilization, management and development of our land resources. It includes 
the parameters that will guide planning at the national and local levels.
This proposed national land use policy also provides for guidelines in major areas, 
as follows: agricultural lands, forestlands and watersheds, coastal zones, mineral lands, 
energy resource lands, settlements development areas, industrial development areas, 
tourism development and heritage areas. Land use and physical planning shall at all times 
adhere to important policies and principles that promote:
a) sustainable development and just management of resources;
b) environmental integrity and stability;
c) disaster risk-reduction and climate change resiliency;
d) food security;
e) protection of prime agricultural lands;
f) water security;
g) rational settlements development;
h) physical and economic integration;
i) agrarian reform, urban land reform and rural development;
j) private-public partnership;
k) people empowerment, decentralization, social justice and equity;
l) respect and protection of the rights of indigenous cultural communities and
indigenous peoples;
m) protection of the rights of basic sectors;
n) deeper understanding of our history and culture;
o) energy security; and
p) market orientation within the framework of ecological and intergenerational factors.
Planning processes at all levels shall include mandatory consultation in a bottom- 
up, top-down approach. Meanwhile, plans shall be subject to review and shall include 
clear timelines for their approval and adoption. The proposed national land use measure 
addresses the vital issues of agrarian reform, climate change, the completion of a national 
database and geo-hazard mapping and disaster risk reduction and management. These


issues had emerged and exerted great impact on the Philippines since Congress had first 
initiated the crafting of a national land use policy, more than two decades ago.
The proposed national land use policy will also harmonize existing laws governing 
the allocation, utilization, development and management of land resources. Furthermore, 
conflicting land uses and interests of our growing population over limited land resources 
show the need to institutionalize a comprehensive national land use policy.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly urged.
MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
595
of the ^er pfarjJ
*22 JUL 14 PI :48
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI
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:
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CHAPTER I
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INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
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SECTION 1. Tide. - This Act shall be known and cited as the "National Land Use
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Act of the Philippines."
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies and Principles. - It is the policy of the State to
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provide for a rational, holistic, and just allocation, utilization, management, and
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development of the country's land resources to ensure their optimum use consistent
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with the principle of sustainable development.
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Toward this end, the State shall institutionalize land use and physical planning as
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a mechanism for identifying, determining, and evaluating alternative land use and
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allocation patterns that promote and ensure:
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a) Sustainable and just management and utilization of natural resources;
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b) Maintenance and preservation of environmental integrity and stability;
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c) Food security in basic food commodities with emphasis on self-sufficiency in
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rice and corn production through efficient and sustainable use of land resources
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consistent with the principles of sound agricultural development, natural
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resources development, and agrarian reform;
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d) Protection of prime agricultural lands for food production activities and highest
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priority to the 
completion of the Comprehensive Agrarian 
Reform Program
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(CARP);
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e) Sustainable development and management of water resources towards 
water
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security;


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f) Rational population distribution and settlements development;
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g) Spatial integration that links consumption and production areas to achieve
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physical and economic integration through appropriate infrastructure systems;
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h) Equitable and sustainable economic growth and balanced and dispersed
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industrial and tourism development guided by the principles of agrarian reform,
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urban land reform, and rural development;
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I) Private-public partnership where government provides the appropriate policy,
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legal and institutional framework to guide the private sector's management of
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resources
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j) Harmony between the rights and the varied interests of every Filipino within
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the framework of people empowerment, decentralization, social justice, and
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equity;
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k) Respect for and protection of the sustainable traditional resource right of the I
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ndigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) to their ancestral
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domains to ensure their economic, social, and cultural well-being as well as
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recognition of the applicability of customary laws and sustainable traditional
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resource use and management, knowledge, and practices in ancestral domains;
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I) Protection of the right of basic sectors to equitable access to the country's land
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and other resources through State regulation of land valuation to prevent
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uncontrolled land speculation resulting in tremendous increase in land pricing;
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m) Protection, conservation and preservation of the Filipino historical and cultural
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heritage and resources for the deeper understanding of our history and culture
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as a people;
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n) Attainment of energy security or energy self-sufficiency through sustainable
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and priority development of indigenous energy resources;
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o) An integrated approach to the utilization, allocation, development and
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management of water as a limited resource to complement and support
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sustainable land utilization; and
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p) Market orientation where the interplay of market forces within the framework
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of ecological and intergenerational factors is encouraged and adopted as the
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basic parameter in achieving efficiency in land use and allocation.
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It is also the policy of the State to ensure that local government units (LGUs)
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share with the national government the responsibility of managing and maintaining
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ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction as stated in the Constitution and
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the 1991 Local Government Code (RA 7160).


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Guided by the principle that the use of land bears a social function and that all
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economic agents shall contribute to the common good, landowners shall be held
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responsible for developing and conserving their lands thereby making their lands
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productive and supportive of environmental stability.
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SEC. 3. Scope. - This Act shall apply to all lands whether public, private,
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government-owned, and/ or in the possession of individuals, communities, indigenous
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peoples, or groups of people, to guide and govern the use, allocation, development and
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management of land resources including such activities that bear impact on said
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resources.
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CHAPTER II
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DEFINITIONS
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SEC. 4. Definitions. - As used in and for purposes of this Act, the following terms
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shall mean:
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a) Agricultural land - shall refer to lands devoted to or suitable for the cultivation
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of the soil, planting of crops, growing of fruit trees, raising of livestock, poultry,
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fish or aqua-culture production, including the harvesting of such farm products,
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and other farm activities and practices performed in conjunction with such
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farming operations done by persons whether natural or juridical and not
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classified by law as mineral land, forest land, residential land, commercial land,
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or industrial land;
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b) Agricultural land use conversion - shall refer to the undertaking of any
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development activity which modifies or alters the physical characteristics of
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agricultural lands to render them suitable for non-agricultural purposes with an
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approved order of conversion issued exclusively by the Department of Land
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Reform (DLR);
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c) Alienable and disposable (A&D) lands - shall refer to lands of the public
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domain which have been delineated, classified, and certified to by law or
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pursuant to the Land Classification Program of the Department of Environment
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and Natural Resources (DENR) as agricultural lands open to disposition under the
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provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 141, otherwise known as the "Public Land
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Act," as amended;
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d) Ancestral domains - shall refer to all areas generally belonging to ICCs/IPs as
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defined in Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the "Indigenous Peoples
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Rights Act (IPRA) of 1998;"
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e) Comprehensive land use plan (CLUP)- shall refer to a document embodying a
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set of policies, accompanied by maps and similar illustrations, that serves as
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principal basis for determining the future land use of lands and natural resources


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within the territorial jurisdiction of the city or municipality. It represents 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 Area/Zone - 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) kilometer from the shoreline 
at high tide to include mangrove swamps, brackish water ponds, nip swamps, 
estuarine rivers, sandy beaches and other areas within a seaward limit of 200 
meters isobaths to include coral reefs, algal flats, seagrass beds, and other soft- 
bottom areas. For purposes of initiating and implementing sustainable coastal 
resources protection and management, it shall include foreshore lands;
g) Critical 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 (LCD'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 LCD 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;


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k) Ecotourism - shall refer to sustainable tourism or travel to a given natural area
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with exotic or threatened ecosystems or a heritage area to observe wildlife or to
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help preserve nature, in the process providing for community participation;
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protection and management of natural resources, culture and indigenous
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knowledge systems and practices; environmental education and ethics; as well
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as economic benefits fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host
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communities and the satisfaction of visitors;
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I) Energy resource lands - shall refer to lands where naturally occurring or
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indigenous energy resources exist;
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m) Energy resources - shall refer to surface or subsurface substances that serve
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as energy sources. These are traditionally mineral fuel deposits such as coal,
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petroleum, natural gas or renewable resources from geothermal, hydro
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reservoirs, or non-conventional sources such as ocean waves, solar, wind,
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biomass, and other similar resources which serve the same purpose;
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n) Environmenl;aI!y critical areas - shall refer to areas declared by law as:
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(1) areas for natural parks, watershed reserves, wildlife preserves, and
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sanctuaries;
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(2) areas set aside as aesthetic potential tourist spots;
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(3) areas which constitute the habitat of any endangered or threatened species
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or indigenous Philippine wildlife (flora and fauna);
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(4)areas of unique historic, archaeological, or scientific interests;
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(5) areas which are traditionally occupied by ICCs/IPs;
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(6) areas with critical slopes;
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(7) areas frequently visited and/or hard hit by natural calamities (geologic
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hazards, floods, typhoons and volcanic activities);
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(8) prime agricultural lands;
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(9) recharge areas of aquifers;
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(10) water bodies;
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(11) mangrove areas;
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(12) coral reefs;
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(13) mossy and virgin forests;
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(14) rivers and river banks; and
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(15) swamp forest and marshlands; and
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(16) foreshore lands.
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This term shall also include other terrestrial, aquatic and marine areas that need
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special protection and conservation measures because they are ecologically fragile or


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


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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, alienable or disposable agricultural lands, national parks, and mineral 
lands in accordance with existing laws and this Act;
aa) Land use - shall refer to the manner of utilization of land, including its 
allocation, development, and management;
bb) 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;
cc) Land Use Policy Council - shall refer to the administrative, policy-making, 
regulatory, and quasi-judicial body created under Sectionl4 of this Act; 
dd) 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;
ee) Mineral exploration - shall refer to the systematic searching or prospecting 
for mineral resources including energy resources; 
ff) Mineral lands - shall refer to lands where mineral resources are found; 
gg) Multiple use of land resources - shall refer to the utilization 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 or with the 
least injury to its other resources;


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hh) 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 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;
ii) 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;
jj) Premature or 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;
kk) 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;
II) Production land use - shall refer to the direct and indirect utilization of land to 
generate outputs resulting from the following activities: agricultural, fish farming


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or aquaculture, timber or agro-forestry, grazing and pasture, mining, indigenous 
energy resource development, industry, and tourism;
mm) 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;
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;
oo) 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;
pp) Public lands - shall refer to lands which have not been subject to private 
property rights or subject to sale or other modes of acquisition or concession 
under the general laws, and are devoted to public use;
qq) 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; 
rr) 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 Development 
and Housing Act (UDHA);
ss) Settlements - shall refer to communities or built-up environment areas where 
people prefer to live in;
tt) 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;


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uu) 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; 
vv) 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;
ww) 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;
xx) 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;
yy) Tourism development areas - shall refer to specific sites for tourism 
development located in areas identified as priorities in the national 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; 
zz) 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 necessary infrastructure. The estate shall be under one unified 
and continuous management;
aaa) 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 Proclamation, pursuant to RA 7916, as amended;
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bbb) 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;
ccc) Tourist zone - shall refer to a geographic area with well-defined boundaries 
proclaimed as such by the President of the 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 tourist 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; 
ddd) 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;
eee) Urbanizable areas - shall refer to sites and lands which, considering present 
characteristics and prevailing conditions, display marked and great potential of 
becoming urban areas within a period of five (5)years;
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 common 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;
jjj) 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
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city/municipality and specifying the conditions for their regulation; subject to the
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limitations imposed by law and competent authority; and,
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kkk) ZO or zoning ordinance - shall refer to a local law passed by the
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sangguniang pambayan or panglunsod approving the development
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control/zoning plan in accordance with an approved or adopted CLUP for the
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city/municipality, and providing for the regulations and other conditions on the
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uses of land including the limitation on the infrastructure that may be placed
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thereon within the territorial jurisdiction of a city or municipality. It incorporates
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the protected areas under Section 12(b) and the protected agricultural lands
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under Section 29 hereof.
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CHAPTER III
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PHYSICAL FRAMEWORK AND LAND USE PLANS
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SEC. 5. National Framework for Physical Planning. - The Land use Policy Council
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(LUPC) created in Section 14 herein, in consultation with the concerned sectors through
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the mandatory conduct of public hearings, shall formulate, periodically update and
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ensure the implementation of the National Framework for Physical Planning (NFPP) that
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shall serve as the general long-term framework for the spatial development directions
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of the entire country and provide the analytical parameters for the planned allocation,
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use and management of the country’s land and other physical resources. The
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NFPP shall be the basis for adopting land use and physical planning-related guidelines
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and standards, including zoning and other land use control standards that will guide the
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formulation of city/municipal zoning ordinances.
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SEC. 6. National Land Use Planning Process. - The land use and physical
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planning process shall be formulated following a combined bottom-up and top-down
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approach. The NFPP, which guides the planning and management of the country's land
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and other physical resources at the national and sub-national levels, shall indicate broad
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spatial directions and policy guidelines on settlement development, production land use,
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protection land use and infrastructure development. The Regional Physical Framework
30 
Plans (RPFPs) and, consequently, the Provincial Physical Framework Plans
31 
(PPFPs) and Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs), which cover the physical
32 
development of their respective territories, shall be consistent with the NFPP; provided
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that the integration and harmonization of physical framework plans at all levels shall be
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iterative to ensure that the concerns of both top and bottom levels of government are
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considered in the NFPP, RPFPs, PPFPs and CLUPs. The physical and land use plans
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prepared at all levels shall have internal consistency specifically on the linkages of the
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major land use categories to ensure their complementation in the utilization,
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development and management of resources.
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SEC. 7. City and Municipal Land Use Plans. - The City/Municipal Planning and
4 
Development Office, in consultation with concerned sectors through mandatory conduct
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of public hearings, shall prepare the CLUP to determine the specific uses of land and
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other physical resources therein including areas co-managed with the national
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government and, as appropriate, the ancestral domain areas. Guided by the PPFP, the
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CLUP shall embody the desired land use patterns and mixes of the city or municipal
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territory and provide appropriate policies for each of the four land use planning
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categories that shall guide and serve as framework for more detailed development and
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sectoral planning: Provided, That, jointly with the DENR and the Department of
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Agriculture (DA), barangays located within public forestlands shall prepare a
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comprehensive barangay land use plan (BLUP), which shall guide the local residents on
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the uses, manageinent, development, and accountability over areas determined in the
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plan as multiple-use zones for settlements development, low impact agriculture, and
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agroforestry purposes, including those areas that need community management and
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protection as production forestlands or protection forests: Provided, however. That the
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preparation of management plans for protected areas shall be in accordance with the
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provisions of R.A. No. 7586 or the NIPAS Act or other laws establishing or declaring a
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specific area as a permanent component of the NIPAS. The BLUPs for areas within
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public forestlands shall be integrated in the CLUP, subject to consultation with the
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concerned City/Municipal Land Use Planning Office.
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The CLUP shall be translated into a zoning ordinance by the concerned
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sangguniang to regulate the uses of land, including the limitations on height, density
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and bulk of buildings and other infrastructure that may be placed thereon.
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SEC. 8. Provincial Physical Framework Plans. - In consultation with concerned
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sectors, the Provincial Planning and Development Office shall prepare the PPFP to
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determine the physical development of the entire provincial territory, consolidating and
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harmonizing the land use plans of component cities and municipalities, and defining the
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uses of land and other resources within the province consistent with the policies in the
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RPFP. It shall submit the PPFP to the Provincial Land Use Policy Council, created under
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Section 20 of this Act, for review and endorsement to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan,
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which shall adopt the same pursuant to Section 468 (2) (vii) of the LGC.
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SEC. 9. Regional Physical Framework Plans. - In consultation with concerned
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sectors, the Regional Land Use Policy Council (RLUPC) shall define the desired spatial
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arrangement of land-using activities in the entire region, consolidating and harmonizing


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the provincial physical framework plans of provinces and independent cities within the
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territorial jurisdiction of the region. The RPFP, which depicts an end-state scenario
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toward which efforts and activities are directed, shall consist of spatially-based and
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area-focused policies, consistent with those in the NFPP, to guide detailed physical,
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socio-economic, sectoral and investment planning.
6
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CHAPTER IV
8 
FRAMEWORK FOR LAND USE PLANNING
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SEC. 10. Priorities in Land Use Aiiocation and Planning. - In projecting spatial
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allocation for different land uses, the LGUs shall first exclude areas under protection
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land use of Section 13(A) hereof, national parks, energy resource lands, and prime
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agricultural lands to ensure ecological integrity, energy supply, and promote food
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security. Areas with prior rights and those with site-specific resources for basic services,
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such as but not limited to, water and indigenous energy resources, shall also be
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excluded. Spatial allocation and planning shall then proceed in accordance with Sections
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12 and 13 hereof with priorities given to integrated watershed management areas,
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socialized housing sites, fisherfolk settlement in coastal areas, and waste disposal sites.
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SEC. 11. Adoption of Multiple Uses of Land Resources. - The primary and
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alternative uses of a specific land resource shall be determined and evaluated prior to
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any decision for the assignment of its use. Areas feasible for sustainable land resource
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use may be considered multiple-use zones wherein settlements, tourism, agriculture,
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agro-forestry and extraction activities and other income-generating or livelihood
23 
activities may be allowed: Provided, That multiple uses of land resources shall be in
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accordance with priorities in land use allocation and planning and that no
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reclassification shall be allowed.
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SEC. 12. Basic Land, Use Planning Considerations. - In determining the various
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land uses, the people and their productive activities and the need for functional open
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spaces and preservation areas as well as the various interrelationships of the physical
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characteristics of the land and other elements therein shall be considered, among
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others, the following:
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a) Availability of natural resources including indigenous energy resources for
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energy security and self-sufficiency;
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b) Geology, geomorphology, geologic hazard, climate, soil and slope;
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c) Economic, environmental, social and related development activities;
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d) Existing government policies on land and natural resources allocation,
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utilization, management and disposition;
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e) Technological changes/ advancement;
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f) Existing customary rights for the protection of indigenous peoples and
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vulnerable groups including women and urban poor;
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g) Inventory of prior and existing rights, to harmonize determination of land use.
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SEC. 13. Categories of Land Uses for Planning Purposes. - In determining and
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defining the NFPP, RPFPs, PPFPs, and CLUPs, land uses shall be grouped into four
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major functional uses as follows:
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a) Protection Land Use shall refer to the use of land primarily for rehabilitation,
8 
conservation, and protection purposes and the promotion of the country's ecological
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and life-support systems. Planning for protection land use intends to achieve
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environmental stability and ecological integrity, ensure a balance between resource use
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and the preservation of some areas with environmental, aesthetic, educational, cultural
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and historical significance, aid protect people and man-made structures from the ill-
13 
effects of natural hazards. Areas under this category are those under the coverage of
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Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) law
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and other coastal and marine protected areas; those areas outside NIPAS but
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nonetheless require protection because of their outstanding physical and aesthetic
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features, anthropological significance, and biological diversity; and those areas prone to
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natural hazards. Areas outside the coverage of the NIPAS law include, but are not
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limited to the following:
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1) Reserved second growth forests above 1,000 meters in elevation and those
21 
50% in slope gradient;
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2) Mangrove and fish sanctuaries, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8435 and
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Republic Act No. 8550;
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3) Buffer zones or strips/easements, pursuant to P.D. No. 705 and P.D. No.
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1067;
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4) Salvage zones along foreshore areas, freshwater swamps and marshes, plazas
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and heritage/historic sites, pursuant to P.D. No. 2146;
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5) Watersheds or sources of domestic supply;
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6) Utility easement like transmission lines of power companies, oil and gas
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facilities, cell sites, and domestic water lines; or
31 
7) Amenity areas or those with high aesthetic values, pursuant to P.D. No. 2146.
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8) Natural and man-made areas/sites of cultural, historical and anthropological
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significance, which are declared as such by internationally 
recognized
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organizations and concerned national agencies.
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b) Production Land Use shall refer to the direct and indirect utilization of land
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resources for crop, fishery, livestock and poultry production, agroforestry, mining.
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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.
c) 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.
d) Infrastructure 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 shall 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 processes.
CHAPTER V
IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE AND MECHANISM
Article 1
Land Use Policy Council
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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 government. It shall integrate 
efforts, monitor developments relating to land use and the evolution of policies, and 
regulate and direct land use planning processes.
SEC. 15. Composition of the LUPC. - The LUPC shall be composed of sixteen 
(16) members.
a) The Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning as Chairperson;
b) The Secretaries of Environment and Natural Resources and Agriculture as 
Vice-Chairpersons;
c) 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;
d) The Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating 
Council; and
e) 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 sectoral councils of the National Anti-Poverty 
Commission (NAPC). Two sectoral representatives shall be women.
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 
functions:
a) Advise the President of the Philippines and the NEDA Board on all matters 
concerning land use and physical planning;
b) Integrate and iiarmonize 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
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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 
amendment of laws to ensure that sectoral programs, plans, projects, 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;
j) 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 
levels;
l) 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
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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;
o) 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;
b. Representatives of the member agencies/institutions of the LUPC, who shall 
have a rank not lower than Director level; and
c. The representatives of the four (4) basic sectors as enumerated in Section 
15(e) of this Act.
SEC. 18. Offices, Units and Staff Support. - The NEDA Regional Development 
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. City/Municipai 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
shall:
a) Advise the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlungsod on all matters 
pertaining to land use and physical planning;
b) Review and endorse to the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlungsod 
for adoption, the CLUP prepared and periodically updated by the City/Municipal 
Planning and Development Office and other land use and physical planning- 
related policies; and
c) Decide and resolve conflicts regarding the violation of zoning ordinances 
including opposition to applications for locational clearances, permits or 
certificates.
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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/M DC 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 Sangguniang Panlalawigan on all matters pertaining to land use 
and physical planning;
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
d) 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.
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 (PLUPC). - At the regional level, the
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RLUPC will be institutionalized, replicating the LUPC structure and composition. The 
RLUPC shall have the following functions:
a) Adopt regional policies on land use and physical planning;
b) Prepare and periodically update the RPFP, taking into consideration national 
polices and lower level plans;
c) Review, prior to adoption by respective Sangguniang, 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;
e) Monitor changes in land use and other physical resources in the region;
f) Coordinate and monitor the land use activities of regional line agencies and 
LGUs;
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 the Land Resource Information 
and Management System, and;
i) Perform other related functions as may be directed by the LUPC:
ArticJe 3
Adoption, Approval and Review of Land Use Plans 
SEC. 22. Component Cities and Municipaiities. - Component cities and 
municipalities shall have the power and authority to adopt and approve their respective 
CLUPs and ZOsthrough their respective sanggunians subject to the power of review of 
their respective provinces only with respect to the consistency of the CLUPs and ZOs 
with Section 6 hereof on the preparation of the PPFP.
SEC. 23. Provinces and Independent and Highiy 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 sanggunian but subject to the review of the RLUPC as provided in 
Section 21 hereof.
Article 4
Responsibilities of the National Government Agencies and LGUs
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SEC. 24. National Base Mapping Program. - A national mapping program shall
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be implemented, coordinated, and monitored through the creation of an Inter-agency
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Technical Committee (ITC) composed of the National Mapping and Resource
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Information Authority (NAMRIA), as the lead agency, the Bureau of Soils and Water
5 
Management (BSWM), the Forest Management Bureau (FMB), the Land Management
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Bureau (LMB), the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), the Mines and
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Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology And Seismology
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(PHIVOLCS), DLR, the National Water Resources Board (NSWRB), DOE, NEDA and
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other concerned government agencies/bureaus. The ITC shall be constituted, and the
10 
mapping program initiated, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act.
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For purposes of uniformity and standardization, the LGUs, to be assisted by the
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appropriate agencies of the national government, shall likewise prepare their respective
13 
territorial maps using scales, symbols, and other indicators to be prescribed in
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accordance with this Act; The completed maps shall be integrated in the NFPP pursuant
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to Section 9 hereof.
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SEC. 25. National Geo-hazard Mapping Program. - Within thirty (30) days from
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the effectivity of this Act, a nationwide geo-hazard mapping program shall be initiated
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jointly thru the LUPC by the PHIVOLCS, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and
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Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the NAMRIA, the Mines and
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Geosciences Bureau (MGB), BSWM, and DOE, in coordination with the National Disaster
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Coordinating Council (NDCC), the Regional Disaster Coordinating Councils, and other
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concerned government agencies. The program shall include the generation of indicative
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geo-hazard zoning maps that will outline areas in the Philippines which are prone to
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liquefaction, land slides, flooding, lahar, ground rupturing, tsunami, river erosion,
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coastal erosion, sinkhole collapse, earthquake, lava flow, pyroclastic flow, base surge,
26 
and other natural hazards.
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built environment, the LGUs shall subsequently incorporate and integrate the generated
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geo-hazard zoning maps in their respective CLUPs. Said geo-hazard maps shall serve as
30 
guide for all the LGUs in the preparation of their own hazards--constrained development
31 
plans. The NFPP, pursuant to Section 5 hereof, shall incorporate these geo-hazard
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maps.
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development of tourist spots requiring an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
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shall be required to submit an Engineering Geological and Geo-hazard Assessment
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Report (EGGAR).
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SEC. 26. Scope and Nature of Responsibilities of Other National Government
2 
Agencies. - All concerned national government agencies/ bodies shall periodically report
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to the LUPC on the various activities and accomplishments relative to land use.
4 
Likewise, they shall provide their respective sectoral/development plans and render
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technical and administrative support if called upon by the LUPC relative to the
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implementation of the provisions of this Act.
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SEC. 27. Submission of Annual Report on the Implementation ofCLUPs. -
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The C/MDCs shall submit an annual report on the implementation of their land use
9 
plans to the PLUPC, which shall integrate the same for submission to the RLUPC, which
10 
shall in turn integrate the provincial reports for submission to the LUPC.
11
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CHAPTER VI
13 
SPECIAL AREAS OF CONCERN
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Article 1
15 
Agricultural Lands
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SEC. 28. Priority Areas for Agricultural Development - Priority areas for
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agricultural development are the CARP, CARPable areas, and the NPAAAD.
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SEC. 29. Conversion of Agricultural Lands. - Agricultural lands are deemed
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converted to non-agricultural uses upon approval by the DLR of the application for
20 
conversion. Prime agricultural lands and specific types of lands to the extent necessary
21 
for attaining food self-sufficiency in rice and corn and food security in other basic
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commodities, as determined by the DA, subject to mandatory consultation with the
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LGUs, the private sector, the NGOs, and POs, shall be protected from conversion, which
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shall include but not limited to areas under the NPAAAD: Provided, That all irrigated and
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irrigable lands, all lands developed or possessing the potential for development of high
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value, crops, and all agricultural lands that are ecologically fragile and whose
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conversion will result in serious environmental problems shall be given full protection
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from conversion, the areas under which are subject to review every seven (7)
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years by the DA, with the mandatory public consultations: Provided, further, That
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consistent with the State policy on giving priority to the completion of the
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Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), all lands subject to CARP including
32 
those lands covered under the notice of compulsory acquisition/voluntary offer to sell,
33 
production or profit-sharing, or commercial farm deferment shall also be protected from
34 
conversion pending the distribution and installation of the farmer beneficiaries, but
35 
thereafter. Section 65 of Republic Act No. 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
36 
Law (CARL) shall apply: Provided finally, That the conversion of agricultural lands for
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use of priority government projects for basic services such as, but not limited to.
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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-ciassification of Agricultural Lands by LGUs. - 
Sub-classification or re-classification of agricultural lands to other uses under Section 20 
of the LGC of 1991 shall exclude the protected agricultural lands as stated in the 
preceding section. Moreover, such sub-classification/reclassification 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 and 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 Rians. - 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.
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The DENR and the concerned LGUs shall jointly implement the watershed
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management plan subject to regular consultations with and involvement of the
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community and other stakeholders in the implementation of the plan.
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Article 3
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Coastal Zones
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SEC. 34. Criteria on the Aiiocation and Utiiization of Lands within the Coastai
8 
Zones. - The allocation and utilization of lands wjthin the coastal zones shall be guided
9 
by the following:
10 
a) Areas vegetated with mangrove species shall be preserved for mangrove
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production and shall not be converted to other uses;
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b) Areas that meet all accepted criteria on elevation, soil type, soil depth,
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topography, supply for successful fishpond development, and are not identified
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as mangrove protected areas, shall be utilized for aquaculture purposes;
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c) Areas sub-classified as mangrove and still suitable for use as such, or due to
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environmental conditions need to be preserved as mangrove, but is devoid of
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mangrove stands shall not be converted to other uses. The DENR shall ensure
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that these lands shall be reforested within a given period of time;
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d) Areas accessible to the sea and identified for fisherfolk settlement and
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housing shall be allocated to traditional fisherfolk who are inhabitants of the
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coastai communities and members of legitimate fisherfolk organizations and/ or
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holders of stewardship lease contracts or titles to ancestral domains or any form
23 
of property right arrangements who participate in coastai resource management
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initiatives, subject to the usual census procedures of the HUDCC.
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e) Areas that are neither sub-classified as mangrove, fisherfolk settlement nor
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fishpond may be devoted to recreational or tourism purposes: Provided, That
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such undertaking will not result in environmental degradation and displacement
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of small fishers;
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f) Areas which are considered as traditional fishing grounds shall be used
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primarily for such purpose;
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g) Areas which have been allocated for small Infrastructure needed by fisherfolk
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shall be allowed; and
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h) Areas which form part of foreshore lands as defined in this Act including those
34 
that are under lease agreements or arrangements shall undergo zoning and
35 
evaluation to determine their boundaries and actual sizes and corresponding
36 
uses.
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SEC. 35. Coastal Land Zone Sub-classification. - All public lands in the coastal
2 
zones shall be subclassified into any of the following: fishponds, mangroves, protection
3 
from tidal surge, for preservation of biodiversity, habitats and sanctuaries for
4 
endangered wildlife, fisherfolk settlement, or recreational/ tourism areas. No sub-
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classification of coastal zones to different uses shall be done without the following:
6 
a) Conduct of a comprehensive resource and environmental assessment by the
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DENR and respective LGUs and accredited NGOs and POs within their
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jurisdiction; and
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b) Prior consultation with local Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management
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Councils (FARMCs) formed under Republic Act No. 8550 or the Fisheries Code.
11 
SEC. 36. Zoning of Foreshore Areas. - Local government units, in coordination
12 
with the DENR, shall conduct zoning of their respective foreshore areas to assist
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government and community fishers identify priority areas for conservation and
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development, and to enable them to set targets for mangrove reforestation and
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rehabilitation.
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Article 4
18 
Mineral Lands
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SEC. 37. Criteria for the Utilization and Allocation of Land for Mining Purposes. -
20 
Consistent with Section 5 of this Act and the provisions of Republic Act No. 7942 or the
21 
Mining Act of 1995, and to ensure that the objectives of maintaining ecological balance
22 
and maximizing economic returns to mining operations are realized, the allocation and
23 
utilization of lands for mining purposes shall be guided by the following:
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a) The principles of sustainable development and responsible mining;
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b) In case of small-scale mining, adequate and acceptable safeguards shall be
26 
Instituted by the holders of mining rights or permits to prevent environmental
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degradation of the mining sites and adjacent areas;
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c) Mineral reservations which have become non-operatlonal for more than ten
29 
(10) years as determined by the MGB shall be placed under appropriate surface
30 
management by the DENR; and
31 
d) Consistent with the Mining Act of 1995, areas closed to mining operations
32 
shall be periodically reviewed through mineral exploration to be undertaken by
33 
the DENR for the purpose of determining whether or not their continued closure
34 
is consistent with the national interest and. If warranted, recommend their
35 
reclassification as mineral lands.
36 
SEC. 38. Reversion of Mineral Lands. - All mineral lands with exhausted mineral
37 
resources, as determined by the MGB upon the recommendation of the DENR, shall
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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 balance and maximizing the 
lower potential from indigenous energy resources in the most economical and 
environmentally-acceptable means are realized, the allocation 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 project 
shall secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) prior to project 
implementation to ensure adequate and appropriate environmental management 
measures and optimum methods for resource access and recovery are utilized; 
and
c) Energy reservations or portions thereof which have become or have been 
established to be non-economically viable to operate or are no longer used for 
energy purposes shall be released to give way to other land uses, subject to 
existing laws covering energy reservations.
SEC. 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 additional expenditure for their extraction and utilization.
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CHAPTER VII
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 urban 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 lives 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, irbanizable 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.
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 this Act.
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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 VIII
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPf4ENT AREAS
SEC. 46. Criteria for Designating Industriai Deveiopment 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;
f) 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 Deveiopment 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 which 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
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tourism, and area specific tourism master plans and other sector plans: such as
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ecotourism and agri-tourism sites.
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Designated areas for tourism development shall become part of the CLUPs of the
4 
cities or municipalities where these are located.
5 
SEC. 48. Identification and Deciaration of Areas for Protection, Conservation and
6 
Preservation of Cuiturai Heritage. - The National Historical Institute (NHJ) and/or the
7 
National Museum in coordination with other concerned agencies, local communities, and
8 
the private sector, shall identify declared areas and structures which shall be protected
9 
and/or preserved as part of the Philippine cultural heritage.
10 
The LGUs in coordination with the NHJ, the National Commission for Culture and
11 
Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) shall designate historical
12 
zones to protect the historical integrity of said geographical areas and cultural space of
13 
intangible cultural properties, which are significant to a city/municipality and the
14 
community.
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CHAPTER X
17 
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
18 
SEC. 49. Aiiocation and Use of Land for Infrastructure Development - Land,
19 
whether public or private, shall be allocated and utilized for priority infrastructure
20 
projects that are supportive of national or local development objectives. The NEDA, in
21 
consultation with the concerned national government agencies, LGUs, and the private
22 
sector shall identify and periodically review, update and/or revise the list of priority
23 
infrastructure projects subject to Sections 5 and 29 hereof, and Section 47 of the AFMA.
24 
In determining and evaluating the list of priority infrastructure projects, consideration
25 
shall be given to those that:
26 
a) Respond to immediate and vital requirements of the national economy with
27 
priority on improving rural infrastructure and the development of the agriculture
28 
and fisheries sectors;
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b) Upgrade existing facilities to international standards;
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c) Address the need for sustainable settlements development; and,
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d) Help mitigate the destructive effects of natural disaster-causing phenomena or
32 
those that shall serve as alternatives to existing infrastructures found in natural
33 
hazard-prone areas:
34 
Provided, That the provision and implementation 
of infrastructure support shall
35 
be made compatible with existing environmental conditions and the physical, whether
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natural or man-made, and cultural character of the area. Mandatory public consultations
37 
pursuant to existing laws and regulations shall be held prior to the conduct of all
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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 finally, 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, 
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
TRAir;iNG, 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 land 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
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program for national and local government officials, community leaders, NGOs, POs,
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religious sector, and the general public.
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CHAPTER XII
5 
INCENTIVES, SANCTIONS, AND PENALTIES
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Article 1
7 
Incentives and Awards
8 
SEC. 53. Formulation of a System of Incentives and Awards. - The LUPC shall
9 
come out with a system of incentives and awards to LGUs that regularly update their
10 
CLUPs within the prescribed period, as follows:
11 
a) Provinces, Highly Urbanized Cities, and Independent Component Cities - once
12 
every nine (9) years; and
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b) Component cities and municipalities once every nine (9) years.
14 
SEC. 54. Priority in Giving Technical Assistance to LGUs. - In providing technical
15 
assistance and other forms of support related to land use management and the
16 
implementation of development plans, national government agencies shall give priority
17 
to cities and municipalities with approved CLUPs.
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Article 2
20 
Sanctions and Penalties
21 
SEC. 55. Fine for Non-Compietion and Non-Commencement of Development of
22 
Agricultural Lands with Approved Order of Conversion. - A landowner and his/her
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designated developer or duly authorized representative who fails to commence and/or
24 
complete the development of agricultural lands with approved order of conversion shall
25 
be penalized, jointly or severally, with any of the following fines based on the zonal
26 
value of the land at the time the fine is imposed
27 
a) On failure to commence within one year from the date of conversion order:
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(1) Six percent (6%) of the zonal value of the subject land for the first three (3)
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hectares,
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(2) Fifteen percent (15%) of the zonal value of the subject land for the next
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three hectares, and
32 
(3) Thirty percent (30%) of the zonal value of the subject land for the remaining
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area.
34 
Provided, That the order of conversion shall be deemed revoked automatically
35 
and the land shall revert to its original agricultural use and covered by the DLR through
36 
compulsory acquisition for distribution to qualified beneficiaries.
37 
b) 
On failure to complete fifty percent (50%) of the approved conversion
38 
plan within a specified time frame: Fifty percent (50%) of the zonal value of the subject
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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. Withdrawai of Locai Deveiopment 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. Utiiization 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. Faiiure to Formuiate, Enforce, and/or Impiement 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;
b) 
Failure to provide appropriate budgetary allocation to effect its
implementation; and,
c) Failure to complete the preparation of the CLUP despite the availability of
funds, resources, and support by the Sanggunian concerned.
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. Six (6) to nine (9) months, in case of non-implementation of CLUP; or
2. Three (3) to six (6) months, in case of non-completion of the CLUP.
SEC. 60. Person(s) Abetting liiegai 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
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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.
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 pesos (P100,000.00) 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 separation from the service 
whether elected or appointed and forfeiture of entitlements accruing to the public 
position, and perpetual disqualification 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 occupants 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 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 XIII
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
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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-nationa!/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 other 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 
implementation of LUPC's functions shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act.
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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. Repealing Clause. - All republic acts, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, that are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Republic Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 71. Non-impairment Clause. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to 
diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or available to marginalized or 
basic sectors under existing laws including but not limited to 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,
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