Senator Ping Lacson has filed a bill instituting a national land use policy that will enhance sustainable development, environmental integrity, disaster risk reduction, food and water security, and equitable access to land.
In Senate Bill 400 titled “National Land Use Act of the Philippines,” Lacson also sought the establishment of a National Land Use Commission which shall serve as the policy-making and coordinating body.
“The proposed National Land Use Act represents a significant legislative effort to bring order and coherence to land use planning and management in the Philippines,” the veteran legislator said.
If enacted, this legislation would provide a robust legal framework to guide development, enhance food and water security, mitigate disaster risks, and promote equitable and inclusive growth.”
“The emphasis on sustainable development, and protection of critical resources mandates a long-term vision for resource stewardship. If enacted, this legislation would provide a robust legal framework to guide development, enhance food and water security, mitigate disaster risks, and promote equitable and inclusive growth across the archipelago,” the seasoned lawmaker explained in his bill.
The senator added the detailed definitions and prescribed planning processes indicate “a move towards more data-driven, participatory, and legally enforceable land use decisions.”
“The bill includes provisions for the protection of ancestral domains, prime agricultural lands, and critical habitats.”
He also emphasized that his bill includes provisions for the protection of ancestral domains, prime agricultural lands, and critical habitats.
The bill provides guidelines for the management of agricultural lands, forest lands, coastal zones, mineral lands, energy resource lands, settlements development, industrial development areas, tourism development and heritage areas, and infrastructure development.
It also provides for a sustainable land use education in the curricula of primary, secondary and tertiary education; as well as a nationwide education information campaign in land use and physical planning.
Under Lacson’s bill, a National Land Use Commission (NLUC) shall be created to oversee a multi-level land use planning process. It will give local government units (LGUs) significant roles in localized planning and implementation.
A Congressional Oversight Committee shall be created to monitor the implementation of this Act, with seven members each from the Senate and House of Representatives.
