By Kenneth Marcos 
At dawn in many rural towns, farmers walk their fields with worry on their faces. Rising costs, changing weather, and the steady loss of farmland to housing and commercial projects have made it harder to grow food. For many, the land is not just property. It is their only source of income and hope for their families.
To address these concerns, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered an immediate freeze on the reclassification of agricultural land across the country. The move is part of a stronger push by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to protect farmlands and ensure enough food for a growing population.
Under Department Circular No. 1, signed on January 5, the DA imposed a moratorium on the acceptance and processing of applications for Land-Use Reclassification Certification. This means no new applications to convert agricultural land into non-agricultural use will be entertained. The order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until June 2026.
The DA said the decision was made in response to increasing pressure to convert fertile farmland into residential, commercial, or industrial areas. Over the years, thousands of hectares of productive land have been lost to development. This has reduced local food production and made the country more dependent on imports.
Secretary Tiu Laurel stressed that protecting farmland is key to national food security. With a rising population and frequent climate-related disasters, the country cannot afford to lose land that produces rice, corn, vegetables, and other basic food items. Keeping these lands productive helps stabilize food supply and control prices in the market.
The moratorium covers all new applications for land-use reclassification that require certification from the DA. It does not cancel previously approved conversions, but it sends a clear signal that the government is taking a tougher stance on preserving agricultural areas.
According to the DA, the freeze will give the agency time to review existing policies and strengthen long-term land-use planning. It will also allow closer coordination with local government units, which often play a key role in approving land conversions. The department aims to balance development needs with the urgent task of feeding the nation.
Farmers’ groups have welcomed the move, saying it offers protection against the steady loss of farmland. Many small farmers fear being pushed out as land values rise and developers move in. By keeping land classified for agriculture, they hope to continue farming without pressure to sell or convert their fields.
However, some business groups have raised concerns, noting that land development also supports economic growth and job creation. The DA said it understands these concerns but emphasized that food security must remain a top priority. The agency added that the moratorium is temporary and meant to create a more balanced and sustainable approach to land use.
The Philippines has faced repeated challenges in food production due to typhoons, droughts, and rising input costs. In recent years, spikes in rice and vegetable prices have hit low- and middle-income families the hardest. Protecting farmland is seen as one way to reduce these risks in the long run.
As the moratorium takes effect, the DA is encouraging farmers, local officials, and stakeholders to work together in safeguarding agricultural lands. The department said lasting food security depends not only on policies but also on collective action to value and protect the land that feeds the nation.
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