Institutional Mechanisms and Procedures for Evaluating Priority Development Areas
For Sites in RAICs/RICs and Tourism Development Areas
- Regional Land Use Committees (RLUCs) are primarily responsible for evaluating these areas, coordinating closely with concerned LGUs.
- RLUCs are convened by Regional Development Councils (RDCs), Cordillera Executive Board (CEB), or the Regional Planning and Development Board (RPDB) of the ARMM.
- The Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) serves as RLUC Chairman; in ARMM, the RPDO head serves as Chairman.
- RLUC membership includes regional directors of key departments: Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Governments, Public Works and Highways, Science and Technology, Transportation and Communications, Trade and Industry, Tourism, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), and two representatives from NGOs, people's organizations, or private sector.
- Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) acts as Co-Chairman; a Vice-Chairman is selected from RLUC members.
- RLUCs may enlist assistance from any government agencies or government-owned/controlled corporations.
- RLUCs and concerned agencies assess if areas are non-negotiable for conversion (per AO 20, s. 1992) or subject to agrarian reform (Sec. 65, RA 6657).
- If sites fall under protected categories, alternative sites must be identified jointly by RLUC, LGUs, and lead agencies.
- RLUCs submit recommendations to the National Land Use Committee (NLUC) within three months; NLUC forwards for DAR Secretary's review and approval.
For Sites for Socialized Housing
- LGUs identify lands for socialized housing with assistance from HUDCC, National Housing Authority (NHA), HLURB, NAMRIA, and DENR/LMB.
- City/Municipal Planning and Development Offices (CPDO/MPDO) utilize criteria under RA 7279 for site selection.
- Provincial Land Use Committees (PLUCs) assist in evaluation in competent provinces; RLUCs handle evaluation in highly urbanized and independent component cities.
- Evaluation also includes determination of non-negotiable lands and agrarian reform coverage.
- If sites are protected, LGUs must identify alternative socialized housing sites.
- PLUCs and RLUCs can call upon CPDO/MPDO or other agencies for assistance.
- PLUCs submit evaluations to Sangguniang Panlalawigan; RLUCs submit to RDC/CEB/RPDB within three months.
- Recommendations for sites needing land use conversion are forwarded to the DAR Secretary.
Compliance with Maximum Allowable Agricultural Land Conversion Limits
- Priority development areas are included within limits under Section 20 of RA 7160 (Local Government Code).
- If total agricultural land conversion exceeds the maximum allowable limits, HLURB, DA, and DAR coordinate for NEDA Secretariat recommendation to the President.
Review and Monitoring of Land Conversion Mechanisms
- DAR, DA, and NEDA Secretariat conduct an annual review of the evaluation process and status of conversions in priority areas.
- If use of irrigable lands for non-agricultural purposes becomes necessary, the Cabinet Cluster on Agri-Industrial Development may recommend utilization, subject to agreed conditions and Presidential approval.
Continuity of Existing Conversion Procedures
- All non-priority land conversion applications will continue to follow existing DAR rules and procedures.
Implementation and Effectivity
- DAR and NEDA Secretariat are tasked with issuing joint guidelines to implement the order.
- The order takes effect immediately upon issuance.