Question & AnswerQ&A (DAR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 15)
The guiding principle is the prevention of indiscriminate conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses to avoid the diminution of CARP coverage and undue displacement of tenant beneficiaries while encouraging industrialization and promoting optimum use of land.
Untenanted lands refer to agricultural lands without tenant beneficiaries or farmworkers residing or working on them.
Approved zoning ordinances define the non-agricultural zones where conversion can be authorized, ensuring that the conversion aligns with approved land use plans of capital towns, cities, and highly urbanized/industrialized municipalities.
The landowner must submit: certified xerox copy of title(s), location plan, certification from the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer that there are no tenants, certification from the Zoning Administrator that the land is inside the proper zone, and certification from the DAR office stating compliance with Section II of the Order.
The BLD is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the Order and submitting periodic reports to the Secretary.
Section 65 allows the DAR to authorize conversion or reclassification of awarded lands after five years from award when the land is no longer economically feasible for agriculture or has become urbanized, provided the beneficiary has fully paid their obligations and required legal procedures are followed.
No, except in cases where the conversion application pertains to the landowner's retained area.
The Order took effect ten (10) days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation, which was effective on 24 November 1989.