By Kenneth Marcos 
In a small conference room in Calapan City, local government officers, land planners, and agriculture officials gathered to tackle a big issue that affects food security and development — how to protect farmlands while guiding proper land use in communities.
The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) led a knowledge-sharing activity in Oriental Mindoro to promote sustainable land use and proper agricultural zoning. The session was titled “Advancing Land Use Policy Guidelines: SAFDZ and DA Certification on Land Use Reclassification,” held as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to sustainable land management.
The event, held in partnership with DA-Regional Land Use Technical Working Group IV-B (MIMAROPA), also provided 2 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit units for licensed professionals, officially accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Safeguarding Farmland, Guiding Development
The four-hour session focused on the Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones (SAFDZ) and DA’s certification process for land reclassification — based on DA Memorandum Circular No. 26, Series of 2022.
A total of 32 participants attended the event, including members of the Sangguniang Bayan, municipal and provincial agriculturists, planning and development officers, and representatives from national government agencies.
Discussions highlighted the balance needed between protecting prime agricultural lands and allowing for development and urbanization. With many farmlands at risk of being converted into housing, commercial, or industrial zones, the training underscored the importance of a clear, science-based land use policy.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Coordination
The event also featured speakers from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), who discussed each agency’s role in land management.
Topics included:
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DA certification and policies for land reclassification
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The integration of SAFDZ in Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs)
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Rules on land conversion and validation
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Legal guidelines related to NPAAAD (Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development) and SAFDZ
The goal is to ensure local government units and land planners are fully informed about the laws and science behind land classification, and that all decisions are aligned with the country’s food security goals.
Why This Matters
Land use planning may seem technical, but it directly impacts the lives of farmers, fisherfolk, and urban communities. Without proper zoning and protection, key food-producing areas could be lost forever to uncontrolled development.
The DA-BSWM continues to push for strong coordination between national agencies and local governments to create land use policies that are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically sound.
This training in Mindoro is part of a broader effort to equip LGUs with the tools and knowledge to manage land properly — supporting both agriculture and development, while ensuring that the next generation still has land to farm and seas to fish.
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