DA Allows Green Energy and Socialized Housing Projects Despite Farmland Conversion Freeze
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved limited exemptions to its moratorium on agricultural land conversion, allowing renewable energy and government socialized housing projects to move forward.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signed a new circular on March 3 permitting the processing and issuance of land-use reclassification certificates for qualified green energy developments and socialized housing initiatives. These projects must first secure certification from the appropriate government authorities.
The directive will take effect three days after it is filed with the National Registrar at the University of the Philippines Law Center in Quezon City.
According to Tiu Laurel, the exemptions are meant to balance the need for critical development projects with the protection of agricultural lands.
“By allowing limited exemptions to the land-use reclassification moratorium, we aim to enable essential energy and housing projects while keeping most farmland conversions on hold until policy reforms that safeguard food security are in place,” he said.
The exemption applies to renewable energy projects endorsed by the Department of Energy or other authorized agencies. It also covers socialized housing initiatives implemented or certified by the National Housing Authority, along with projects approved by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
The policy partially relaxes the moratorium imposed under Department Circular No. 1, issued on Jan. 5, which temporarily halted the acceptance and processing of applications for land-use reclassification until June. The freeze was introduced to prevent what the DA described as the excessive conversion of agricultural land.
While the broader suspension remains in place, the department said the exemptions acknowledge the growing need for renewable energy expansion and government-backed housing programs. Only projects with proper certification will qualify to ensure continued regulatory oversight.
All other applications for land-use reclassification—including appeals already pending before the Office of the Secretary—will remain suspended during the moratorium period.
The DA is currently reviewing existing policies during the suspension period, which will run until June. The review aims to strengthen regulations, improve approval processes, and ensure stronger protection for agricultural production areas.
The department emphasized that food security remains a top priority, warning that uncontrolled land conversion could weaken agribusiness investments and threaten the country’s long-term food supply.
Officials also noted that increasing demand for urban development, infrastructure projects, and local zoning changes has led to a rise in land reclassification applications in recent years. Without stricter rules, the DA said prime agricultural land could continue to be diverted, potentially affecting farm productivity and national food output.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
