Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay is urging local government units (LGUs) to strictly implement their Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) to strike a balance between urban development and food security.
Speaking at a press conference of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on Saturday, Binay emphasized that while urban housing projects are important, they must not come at the expense of agricultural land and long-term food supply.
“Coming from the perspective of a mayor, what we really need is strict implementation of the comprehensive land use plan,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino.
The CLUP, which guides land use decisions over a 10-year period, is based on in-depth studies of a locality’s needs and priorities. However, Binay noted that while many LGUs have well-designed plans, implementation often falls short.
“The problem is that while the plans are good, implementation usually fails,” she said.
Binay said deviating from the land use plan undermines its purpose and could lead to unregulated development that threatens food production. She described the CLUP as a vital tool — or “bible” — for LGUs in ensuring both food security and sustainable urban growth.
“If we veer away from the CLUP, what’s the point? The CLUP is meant to guide us in achieving both food security and balanced urbanization,” she added.
As a long-serving local chief executive, Binay acknowledged the pressures faced by LGUs to accommodate rapid development. However, she maintained that responsible planning and strict adherence to land use policies are essential to protect agricultural zones and maintain food stability.
Binay has previously advocated for evidence-based governance reforms and emphasized the importance of aligning development with long-term sustainability goals.