Freeze on farmland conversion, community dialogues intensify

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed an immediate freeze on all new agricultural land reclassification applications to protect farmland and secure the nation’s food supply, even as another key housing agency steps up grassroots consultations to improve land-use governance and community compliance.

Citing a circular signed recently, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said Sunday that a moratorium on the acceptance and processing of Land Use Reclassification Certification applications is now in effect until June.

Applications already submitted will still be processed, but appeals are temporarily on hold.

“There is a need to impose a moratorium on the acceptance and processing of applications for Land Use Reclassification Certification, and to revisit and review the policies to strengthen DA oversight, ensure consistency, and protect agricultural lands from undue conversion,” Tiu Laurel said.

The freeze comes amid growing concerns that rapid land conversion for urban expansion and infrastructure projects is shrinking areas available for key crops such as rice and corn. 

Analysts warn that continued loss of productive farmland could weaken food self-sufficiency and increase reliance on imports, making the country more vulnerable to global price swings.

According to Tiu Laurel, the new policy aligns with the government’s push to strengthen supply chains, improve farm infrastructure, and expand productivity support. Lawmakers are also pushing for tougher limits on farmland conversion, reinforcing the DA’s precautionary stance.

Parallel to these land-use and governance efforts, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has launched a series of town hall meetings with homeowners associations (HOAs) nationwide.

The initiative was kicked off by a team from the DHSUD central office led by Supervising Senior Undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz, with a dialogue involving the Fairway View Homeowners Association Inc. in Dasmariñas, Cavite. About 182 residents attended the meeting.

Discussions during the town hall focused on clarifying issues related to the association’s suspension and guiding HOA officers and members on the requirements and process for re-registration with the DHSUD.

“This is in line with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to bring to our countrymen faster, cleaner and more compassionate public service,” Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said.

“Rest assured that DHSUD’s engagement with our HOAs will continue to intensify to strengthen our partnership with stakeholders. We can accomplish more if we work together and help one another,” he added.

Paquiz said the town hall meetings aim to promote proactive engagement and ensure that HOA leaders and members are well-informed about current DHSUD guidelines and regulatory requirements.

“This dialogue underscores the importance of compliance, transparency and shared responsibility in strengthening our HOAs. Well-informed HOAs mean empowered homeowners,” Paquiz said.

DHSUD officials emphasized that the agency’s regulatory role is intended to protect homeowners’ rights and support orderly, accountable community management. They noted that the re-registration of Fairway View HOA is a key step toward restoring its legal standing and enabling it to properly manage community affairs.