STA. ROSA, Laguna — Candidates of the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas have pledged to prioritize the passage of the National Land Use Act (NLUA) if elected to the 20th Congress.

In a pre-rally press conference, former senator Vicente Sotto III recalled that the Senate had approved the bill during the 15th Congress, but it failed to pass in the House of Representatives.

He added that in subsequent Congresses, the House passed the measure, but it stalled in the Senate.

“Now, in the 20th Congress, if we are fortunate enough to be elected and Laguna helps us get there, we will definitely pass the Land Use Act in the Senate. This is the solution to the problems happening in Laguna and beyond,” Sotto said.

Former senator Panfilo Lacson lamented the decline of Laguna’s agricultural sector due to rapid industrialization.

“Only 1.5 percent of Laguna’s land remains dedicated to agriculture. Why? Because the province is becoming an industrial hub, and social services have also taken up significant space,” he said.

He noted that approximately 90,000 hectares of alienable and disposable agricultural land still exist in the province, which could be revitalized with proper interventions from local government units.

“This can be enriched through the intervention of the Laguna LGU and its municipalities. They can identify which lands can still be saved to revive agriculture here,” Lacson said.

While acknowledging Laguna’s industrial growth, Lacson stressed the need to preserve the remaining agricultural lands.

ACT-CIS Representative and Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo echoed Sotto and Lacson, emphasizing the need to pass the NLUA to curb unregulated land conversion.

“We must pass the National Land Use Act because the current system is being abused. It should serve the people, not just a few. This exploitation must stop,” Tulfo said.

He warned that without the NLUA, agricultural lands would continue to shrink, threatening food security.

“As long as the National Land Use Act is not passed, we can expect our agricultural areas to diminish further. Land buyers are taking advantage, burdening farmers who receive little support from the government. With no subsidies, farmers have no choice but to sell their land for subdivisions or industrial use,” Tulfo said.

Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos shared Tulfo’s concerns, highlighting the broader implications of land conversion on food security.

“Food security is critical to our country. We are all aware of the issues surrounding rice prices, palay prices, and the challenges faced by our rice farmers. This is not just happening in Laguna — it’s a nationwide problem. Rapid development is causing rice fields to disappear,” Abalos said.

While awaiting the NLUA’s passage, Abalos suggested that LGUs provide incentives to discourage landowners from selling farmlands for industrial or residential purposes.

“On a local level, we could offer incentives, such as lower real property taxes, to encourage landowners to retain their agricultural lands. It’s an economic issue, so incentives could make them think twice,” Abalos said.

He also stressed the need for stronger agricultural infrastructure and financial support for farmers, including loans and crop insurance.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino expressed support for reviving the NLUA, noting that the bill has been pending for decades.

Tolentino highlighted the importance of linking land use regulations with initiatives like the One Town, One Product law, which promotes local industries.