Excluding these projects from an earlier moratorium.
In a circular signed March 3, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. allowed the processing and issuance of certificates for land-use reclassification covering green energy developments and socialized housing initiatives—provided these are certified by the appropriate authorities.
The move partially lifts the moratorium imposed under Department Circular No. 1 dated January 5, 2026 which suspended the acceptance and processing of applications for land-use reclassification until June 2026.
The freeze was meant to serve as a safeguard against what the DA had described as “undue conversion” of agricultural lands.
The exemption covers renewable energy projects endorsed by the Department of Energy or other authorized agencies, as well as socialized housing projects implemented or certified by the National Housing Authority (NHA) and similar undertakings cleared by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
He explained, “By carving out limited exemptions to 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.”
While the broader suspension remains in force, the DA noted the exemptions recognize the strategic importance of renewable energy expansion and the urgent need for government-backed housing.
The agency also maintained that only projects with proper certification will qualify, ensuring oversight remains intact, and all other applications for reclassification will continue to be held in abeyance—including appeals already pending before the Office of the Secretary.
During the suspension period, the DA will be reviewing existing policies to strengthen regulatory controls, ensure consistency in approvals and better protect agricultural production areas.
The department underscored that food security remains a top priority, warning that unchecked land conversions could erode agribusiness investments and undermine long-term national food supply stability.
Furthermore, the DA also noted that surging demand for urban expansion, infrastructure projects and local zoning revisions has fueled a rise in reclassification applications in recent years and without tighter rules, prime agricultural lands could be diverted at a pace that threatens farm output.
In response, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has welcomed the exemption of socialized housing projects from land use reclassification moratorium imposed by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling called it “vital” in sustaining the positive momentum of the ongoing nationwide rollout the 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.
He also noted that the exemption will help prevent delays in the development of socialized housing projects, allowing those implemented or certified by the DHSUD and the National Housing Authority (NHA), and other appropriate authorities, to proceed with the necessary land-use reclassification processes despite the earlier moratorium imposed under the DA Circular.
“This development will allow us to move forward with our socialized housing projects without unnecessary delays,” he added.