A long-overdue blueprint for sustainable growth and a decisive step toward securing the country’s land resources.
This was how House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III described the National Land Use Act (NLUA), which on Tuesday was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading. Voting 224–3 with zero abstentions, the chamber passed House Bill No. 8466 just a day after Dy identified it as a legislative priority at the resumption of session.
“Sinabi natin kahapon na kailangan na nating ipasa ang National Land Use Act. Tinupad natin iyon ngayon,” Dy said.
“For decades, this reform has been delayed. The message is clear. We are ready to finally address how we utilize our land for the benefit of future generations.”
The measure establishes a science-based and unified framework for land use, balancing the needs of agriculture, housing, infrastructure, environmental protection, and economic development.
Dy said the bill is key to resolving land use conflicts, managing urban growth, strengthening food security, and protecting critical ecosystems.
“Hindi lamang ito usapin ng lupa. Ito ay usapin ng kaayusan, seguridad sa pagkain, proteksyon sa kalikasan, at maayos na pag-unlad ng ating mga komunidad,” he said.
The Speaker from Isabela stressed that the absence of a national land use policy has long led to fragmented planning and inefficiencies.
He pointed out that “without a clear land use policy, development becomes disjointed and directionless. This measure puts in place a clear, long-term, and equitable framework.”
The House chief expressed confidence that the bill would deliver lasting benefits, particularly in protecting agricultural lands and guiding sustainable development.
Dy also noted that the measure is part of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority agenda, underscoring its importance in the administration’s broader push for coordinated and long-term national development.
“Ang batas na ito ay magsisilbing gabay ng bansa para sa mas maayos na paggamit ng ating lupa, mas ligtas na komunidad, at mas matatag na ekonomiya.”
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