Now that farms can shift to homes again, progress might keep moving. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development DHSUD) sees a chance in Depart of Agriculture DA’s latest step back from blocking changes to farmland use. Social housing plans no longer stall under old limits. With one rule lifted, thousands could gain shelter sooner. Instead of waiting, communities may see faster results. This opening allows policies to align without delay. Momentum builds when agencies adjust their stance.
In a statement, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the exemption, contained in DA Department Circular No. 11 signed on March 3, 2026, is vital in ensuring the continued rollout of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
"Malaking bagay ito sa pagtalima natin sa direktiba ng Pangulo—pabilisin ang pagpapatupad ng mga programang pabahay upang matulungan ang ating mga kababayang patuloy na nangangarap magkaroon ng sariling tahanan na ligtas, disente at abot-kaya," Aliling said.
"Sa gitna ng mga pagsubok ngayon, may gobyernong handang umagapay sa bawat Pilipinong patuloy na nangangarap magkabahay. Sama-sama, mapagtatagumpayan natin ito," he added.
Despite the ongoing halt set to last through June 2026, certain housing initiatives can still advance. Projects tied to socialized housing - when carried out or verified by the DHSUD, National Housing Authority (NHA), or approved bodies - are permitted to move forward. These groups may pursue required changes in land classification. Such adjustments remain possible under specific conditions. Authorization acts as a pathway around the general pause.
A move led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has eased part of the ban on changing farmland uses - this applies only to approved renewable energy ventures backed by the Department of Energy or public socialized housing confirmed by authorized housing bodies.
"By carving out limited exemptions to the land-use reclassification moratorium, we seek to strike a balance in allowing critical energy and housing projects to proceed while keeping most farmland conversions on hold pending policy reforms that will ensure food security in the future," Tiu Laurel explained.
The DA originally imposed a six-month moratorium in January under Department Circular No. 1, suspending the acceptance and processing of land conversion applications to prevent what the agency described as "undue conversion" of agricultural lands. The freeze was meant to give the government time to review existing policies and strengthen regulatory controls protecting food production areas.
Aliling emphasized that the exemption will help prevent delays in developing socialized housing projects intended for low-income and vulnerable Filipino families. He stressed that housing development must move forward in coordination with other national priorities, including agricultural protection and food security.
"This development will allow us to move forward with our socialized housing projects without unnecessary delays. This is part of the whole-of-government approach under Bagong Pilipinas—as we protect our agricultural lands and ensure sustainability, we must also make sure that Filipino families, especially the most vulnerable, have access to safe, decent, and affordable homes," Aliling said.
All other applications for land-use reclassification, including appeals pending before the DA Secretary's office, will remain suspended while the policy review continues. The DA has warned that unchecked land conversion could erode agribusiness investments and threaten the country's long-term food supply stability.
Topics:
