MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is finalizing revised guidelines for the reclassification of agricultural lands, with a target release set for June 2026. The upcoming policy shift aims to address the rapid increase in conversion applications driven by urban expansion and infrastructure development while safeguarding the country’s food security.
According to Agriculture Undersecretary Asis Perez, the agency is working to complete the new framework before the expiration of a current six-month moratorium on land conversion.
On January 5, 2026, the DA issued Department Circular No. 1, which suspended the acceptance and processing of applications for land-use reclassification.
- Purpose: The moratorium was implemented as a safeguard against “undue conversion” of productive farmland.
- Scope: It effectively held in abeyance all appeals and pending applications filed with the Office of the Secretary.
- Duration: The suspension is scheduled to remain in place until June of this year to allow the agency to conduct a thorough policy review.
While the freeze is widespread, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. previously clarified that certain sectors remain exempt to avoid stalling critical national goals:
- Renewable Energy: Projects focused on solar, wind, and other clean energy sources are permitted to proceed with reclassification.
- Socialized Housing: Government-led housing projects for low-income families are excluded from the moratorium to address the country’s housing backlog.
To spearhead the revisions, the DA promulgated Special Order No. 477, establishing a Technical Working Group (TWG).
- Leadership: The group is led by Undersecretary Asis Perez.
- Objective: The TWG is tasked with reviewing and updating the guidelines on the issuance of DA certifications for reclassifying agricultural lands.
- Finalization: While specific amendments remain under wraps pending the completion of the evaluation, the goal is to create a more balanced system that accounts for local land-use zoning needs without compromising agricultural output.
The DA noted that the surge in applications is a direct result of the country’s current economic trajectory, which requires more land for infrastructure and housing. However, the agency remains committed to ensuring that the most productive lands are preserved for farming to maintain stable food prices and supply.
The finalized guidelines are expected to be released immediately following the end of the six-month suspension period in June.