Reclassification of Public Land to Agriculture

The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is empowered and mandated to issue necessary implementing orders, rules, regulations, and circulars.
This authority includes formulating guidelines and procedures to effectively implement the reclassification and disposition of the said land.

The law takes effect immediately upon approval.
Notably, the Act lapsed into law without the signature of the President, in accordance with the constitutional provision (Article VI, Section 27(1)), signifying its automatic effect.

The Act results from the consolidation of House Bill No. 6073 and Senate Bill No. 2572.
It was approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate on June 10, 2004.

Reclassification of public land is a legislative act that modifies the land classification for specific designated areas.
Such reclassification allows the land to be made available for agricultural purposes and open for disposition, which may include lease, sale, or other modes of transfer compliant with existing laws.
The Secretary of DENR plays a crucial role in overseeing the transition and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
The procedural formalities enshrined in the Act reinforce the legal framework for managing land resources in the public domain efficiently and transparently.