Article by:
Stephanie Sevillano
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said it has exempted renewable energy and government socialized housing projects from the moratorium on land-use reclassifications.
In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move demonstrates the administration’s intensified efforts to advance the utilization of renewable energy, as well as government-backed housing.
“By carving out limited exemptions to land-use reclassification moratorium, we seek to strike a balance in allowing critical energy and housing projects to proceed while keeping most farmland conversions on hold pending policy reforms that will ensure food security in the future,” he said.
Under Department Circular No. 1 he signed on Jan. 5, Tiu Laurel allowed the processing and issuance of certificates for land-use reclassification covering green energy developments and socialized housing initiatives, provided these are certified by the appropriate authorities.
In particular, the DA’s exemption will cover renewable energy projects with an endorsement from the Department of Energy (DOE) or other authorized agencies.
Likewise, socialized housing projects under the implementation or certification of the National Housing Authority (NHA), as well as similar undertakings cleared by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), are also covered.
Tiu Laurel, however, said projects may only qualify for exemption if a proper certification is obtained.
All other applications for reclassification will continue to be held in abeyance, the DA said. (PNA)
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