The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allowed certain projects to proceed despite the ongoing moratorium on agricultural land-use reclassification, granting exemptions for renewable energy and government socialized housing developments.
In a statement Wednesday, the DA said it will process and issue certificates for land-use reclassification for renewable energy (RE) projects and socialized housing initiatives, provided these are properly endorsed or certified by relevant government agencies.
The exemption applies to RE projects endorsed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and housing projects implemented or certified by the National Housing Authority (NHA) or approved by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
The DA earlier imposed a moratorium in January on issuing land-use reclassification certifications until June 2026. The suspension was meant to control the rapid conversion of agricultural land, which the agency warned could harm farm production, agribusiness investments, and the country’s long-term food supply if left unchecked.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the exemptions aim to balance competing priorities by allowing key energy and housing projects to continue while keeping most farmland conversions on hold.
Despite the exemption, the DA said all other reclassification applications—including pending appeals—will remain suspended while the agency reviews existing policies.
The policy review seeks to tighten regulations, ensure consistent approvals, and better protect agricultural lands from growing pressure caused by urban expansion, infrastructure development, and local zoning changes.
Officials warned that without stricter rules, increasing land conversion could divert prime farmland at a rate that may threaten agricultural output and national food security.
