INTRAMUROS, MANILA - The need to institutionalize land use and physical planning as a mechanism for identifying, determining, and evaluating appropriate land use and allocation patterns in the country was once again emphasized during a forum held in Manila last 13 November 2012. Members of the House of Representatives (HOR) and civil society organizations (CSOs) attended "The Forum" and therein reiterated the necessity of passing the National Land Use and Management Act (NLUA) before the close of the 15^th Congress. "The Forum" is a weekly forum hosted by the Catholic Media Network and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

A Legislator's Point of View

Rep. Kaka Bag-ao of the Akbayan Partylist, one of the principal authors of House Bill No. 6546 or the "National Land Use and Management Act" requested Senate to give more attention to NLUA and prioritize its passage before the end of the 15^th Congress. As proficiently explained, having a national land use policy will promote and protect the right to life of every Filipino. Not only will it address the livelihood concerns of many Filipinos, but it will also help minimize the adverse impact of natural calamities being experienced in the country.

Should NLUA be successfully passed and implemented, a standard on proper land use allocation and management will be created. It will harmonize all existing laws on land use management, such as the NIPAS, IPRA, and LGC, among others.

Its smooth passage, however, is not guaranteed. There is a possibility that it will be opposed as it seeks to regulate the conversion of forest lands into mining areas and consequently prohibit the extraction of minerals in protected areas. As pointed out by Rep. Bag-ao, a damaged forest cannot be brought back to its original state. Endemic tree species removed from forests cannot be replaced easily. "Kahit mag-reforest at re-planting ka pa, hindi na maibabalik ang mga original species na nawala sa forest lalo na kapag nag-extract ka ng minerals dyan sa forest na yan", explained by Rep. Bag-ao.

Appeal from the CSO

Representatives from various non-governmental organizations and people's organizations also expressed their support to the immediate passage of NLUA. Â Mr. Ruperto "Ka Uper" Aleroza, president of the Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan (PKSK),explained that "kailangan ng panuntunan sa tamang pag-gamit ng lupa . . . matagal na naming ipinaglalaban ang pagpasa ng batas na ito, kung titigilan namin ang laban ngayon, kami rin ang talo." By virtue of this law, the interests of the fisheries sector will now be heard for they can now take part in the consultation for the preparations of land use plans.

Another leader, Mr. Adelino "Ka Audie" Lavador, Chairperson of the Urban Land Reform Movement (ULRM), shared that they look forward to the immediate passage of NLUA, especially because it ensures the participation of all basic sectors, including the urban poor, in the creation of national physical framework plan. "Gusto namin na kami ay maging bahagi ng pag-paplano ng tamang gamit ng lupa", thereby abolishing the age-old problem with resettlement and property rights.

Its immediate enactment is undeniably necessary. Unfortunately, it has not been part of the government's priority for so long that it has been pending for almost twenty (20) years already. The bill focuses on the protection of the people, biodiversity, and land as a whole. Hopefully, as shared by Ms. Maricel Tolentino of the Campaign for Land Use Policy Now (CLUP Now!), the government would not miss the opportunity to pass this bill in the 15^th Congress.

Noteworthy that HB 6545 has been approved in the 3^rd reading on 20 September 2012.  Hence, the call for the Philippine Senate to give particular attention to this important piece of legislation.