Law Summary
Grounds for Permissible Conversion of Agricultural Lands
- Conversion allowed if land is no longer economically feasible or suitable for agriculture as certified by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
- Conversion allowed if land or locality becomes highly urbanized with greater economic value for residential, commercial, or industrial use as certified by the HLURB Deputized Zoning Administrator.
- Conversion permitted if lands are classified as commercial, industrial, or residential in approved town plans following a process involving multiple government agencies.
- In areas without land use plans or zoning ordinances, conversion may be approved if the dominant surrounding land use is non-agricultural and the proposed use is compatible.
- Regional Physical Framework Plans approved by Regional Development Councils serve as basis for decisions.
Definition of Illegal Conversion
- Illegal conversion is the change of agricultural land to non-agricultural use without the required conversion order issued by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
Establishment of the National Task Force on Illegal Conversion
- A joint DAR-Department of Justice (DOJ) National Task Force is created to monitor illegal land conversion nationally.
- Composed of DAR Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs (head), two DAR representatives appointed by the DAR Secretary, and three DOJ representatives appointed by the DOJ Secretary.
- Functions include identification of priority areas, reporting to secretaries, recommending policy amendments, coordinating provincial task forces, and other assigned functions.
Creation of Provincial Task Forces on Illegal Conversion
- Provincial Task Forces established in each province to monitor illegal land conversion.
- Headed jointly by the DAR Chief Legal Officer in the province and the Provincial Prosecutor.
- Members include the Chief Agrarian Reform Officer (CARPO), Assistant Provincial Prosecutor, and two Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers (MAROs).
- Duties include investigating conversion cases, monitoring situations, recommending and filing criminal charges for violations, reporting to the National Task Force, and performing related tasks.
Posting Requirement for Developers and Landowners
- Developers and landowners must post a conspicuous notice of the "DAR Conversion Order dated _______" at project sites.
- Failure to post such notice may trigger investigation for possible illegal conversion by DAR or DOJ authorities.
Effectivity
- The Joint Administrative Order takes effect immediately upon adoption on May 4, 1993.