United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party senatorial candidate Jejomar Binay on Monday said the devastation caused by tropical storm “Agaton” and super typhoon “Odette” only underscores the need for a National Land Use law.
The former vice president explained that such a law would identify hazardous areas in localities that should be designated as no-build zones by local authorities.
“A National Land Use Law would help prevent the loss of lives and livelihood as a result of typhoons and other natural calamities caused by climate change,” said Binay.
“The law would maximize the best use of lands, and will delineate specific uses for particular lands,” he added.
Binay noted that there are conflicts in the present policies concerning land use and management.
“We need to avoid these conflicts and address problems caused by massive urbanization, such as the lack of housing and the proliferation of informal settlers,” he said.
Binay also said there is a need to harmonize existing laws and adopt a consistent land use policy.
“The law will also designate certain lands for protection and conservation, for agriculture and fisheries, as well as for residential, manufacturing, industrial, and infrastructure use,” he added.
Binay, who served as housing czar from 2010 to 2015, said that a national lland-useplan would also help ensure food security in the country.
“If the land is irrigable, then it should be reserved for agricultural use,” he said.
