Agriculture secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced yesterday an immediate freeze on all new agricultural land reclassification applications to reinforce national food security and curb the rapid conversion of farmlands.
Under Department Circular No. 1, signed on January 5, Tiu Laurel imposed a moratorium on the acceptance and processing of land-use reclassification certification applications, effective immediately and running through June 2026.
The pause gives the DA time to reassess its regulatory framework and strengthen oversight as urban expansion and infrastructure projects continue to encroach on agricultural areas. Applications filed before the freeze will still be processed, but all appeals are suspended until the moratorium is lifted.
“There is a need to impose a moratorium on the acceptance and processing of applications for Land-Use Reclassification Certification, and to revisit and review the policies to strengthen DA oversight, ensure consistency, and protect agricultural lands from undue conversion,” Tiu Laurel said.
The directive comes amid mounting concern over the steady loss of productive farmland. Analysts have warned that unchecked land conversion could undermine the country’s capacity to produce staples such as rice and corn, weaken food self-sufficiency, and increase dependence on imports.
With domestic demand rising and global markets vulnerable to disruptions, preserving agricultural land is increasingly seen as a strategic safeguard against supply shocks and price volatility.
Farm groups and advocates have long pressed for stronger protections, including legislative measures to restrict the conversion of irrigated and irrigable lands. Several lawmakers are now pushing for tougher limits, echoing the DA’s more cautious stance.
The moratorium also aligns with the DA’s 2026 agenda, which includes strengthening supply chains, improving farm infrastructure, and expanding productivity support to raise output.
Tiu Laurel has emphasized that tighter monitoring and more focused support programs are critical to ensuring that land protection translates into concrete gains for farmers and consumers.
