National Land Use Act to Protect Communities from Climate Change

Strategic Insights -

Philippine lawmakers are pushing for a comprehensive national land use policy to protect communities from the destructive effects of climate change. The proposed National Land Use Act aims to efficiently and sustainably use the country's land and physical resources, reducing risks and impacts of natural disasters such as landslides and floods. According to Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, the bill will identify high-risk and danger-prone locations, allocating areas for agricultural production, housing, and industries while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Land Use Act aims to protect communities from climate change through efficient and sustainable land use planning.
  • The bill prioritizes life and safety by identifying hazard-prone areas and corresponding risk reduction measures.
  • The Act outlines land use policies to determine areas for agricultural production, housing, settlements, energy development, industries, and protected zones for environmental sustainability.
  • The bill mandates the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other government agencies to delineate and continuously update the mapping of hazard-prone and vulnerable areas in the country.
  • The proposed National Land Use Act has been identified as a priority legislation by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his first State of the Nation Address.
  • Republic Act HB 3956, filed by Duterte and Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, outlines land use policies to address the impact of deforestation and urbanization on food, housing, business, health, and the environment.
  • The bill aims to address the negative effects of improper and uncoordinated land planning and management, which contribute to disaster risks through improper land use planning and development.

Statistics:

  • The proposed National Land Use Act aims to cover the country's approximate 300,000 square kilometers of land area.
  • The bill mandates the DENR and other government agencies to continuously update the mapping of hazard-prone and vulnerable areas in the country by 2023.
  • The technical working group under the House Special Committee on Land Use has been formed to consolidate several measures pertaining to the proposed National Land Use Act.
  • A study by the German Institute for Development Evaluation states that land use planning is an instrument that facilitates a fair, transparent allocation of land resources.

Sources:

  • Philippines News Agency
  • German Institute for Development Evaluation
  • Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
  • House of Representatives, Philippines
  • Republic Act HB 3956 by Paolo Duterte and Eric Yap
  • Marcos, F. R. (2023, July). State of the Nation Address. [Speech]
  • Santos, C. B. A. (2023, July). Executive version of the proposed NaLUA. [Presentation]
  • Matugas, F. M. II (2023, July). Presentation on the proposed National Land Use Act. [Speech]