Land conversion ban lifted for government housing, RE projects

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March 13, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has exempted government-backed housing and renewable energy (RE) projects from the farmlands conversion moratorium, which remains in effect until June.

In a March 3 circular, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. authorized the processing and issuance of land-use reclassification certificates for these projects, provided they are certified by the appropriate authorities.

The exemption applies to RE developments endorsed by the Department of Energy or other authorized agencies as well as socialized housing projects implemented or certified by the National Housing Authority.

It also covers similar housing initiatives cleared by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

“By carving out limited exemptions, we seek to strike a balance in allowing critical energy and housing projects to proceed while keeping most farmland conversions on hold pending policy reforms that will ensure food security in the future,” Tiu Laurel said.

This comes after the DA imposed a six-month moratorium in January on new land reclassification applications amid concerns over the rapid conversion of farmlands.

The move was meant to reassess regulatory framework, ensure policy consistency and strengthen oversight against excessive conversion driven by urban development and infrastructure projects.

The DA said food security remains a top priority, warning that unchecked land conversions could threaten agribusiness investments and undermine the long-term stability of the country’s food supply.

While the broader suspension remains in force, the department emphasized that the exemptions would support RE expansion and the urgent need for government-backed housing.