THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered a temporary suspension on the acceptance of new applications for agricultural land-use reclassification with the issuance of Department Circular 1, Series of 2026.
The DA Certification on Land-Use Reclassification is required when local governments want to convert agricultural land for use into nonagricultural uses, such as transforming it into residential or commercial zones.
In the circular, the DA said that there has been an increasing number of agricultural land-use reclassification certification applications, which it linked to the rapid demand for urban expansion, infrastructure development and local land-use zoning revisions.
The agency stated that land-use conversion could negatively impact agricultural production areas, agribusiness investments and domestic food supply stability in the long term if not properly regulated.
The DA said the suspension on agricultural land-use reclassification applications was made with the intention of ensuring the preservation of all lands allocated for food production. It noted that this is necessary to protect domestic food supply stability and uphold the welfare of local farmers and consumers.
The moratorium would be in place until June 2026, unless revised, shortened or extended by the DA.
During the moratorium, the agency would no longer accept applications for DA Certification on Land-Use Reclassification. However, applications that were filed with the agency’s regional field offices before the effectivity of the order should be processed, subject to existing rules and regulations.
Despite this, appeals that were filed and pending before the Office of the Secretary by the time of the effectivity of the circular would be held in abeyance and would only be processed upon the lifting of the moratorium.
Violations of the circular will serve as grounds for administrative action in accordance with sanctions and penalties provided under law.
Aside from a moratorium on land-use reclassification applications, the DA stressed that there is a need to revisit and review its policies to protect agricultural lands from excessive and unnecessary conversion.