Manila: A bill has been filed at the House of Representatives seeking to ban the conversion of irrigated and irrigable agricultural lands to promote food security in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, House Deputy Minority Floor Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima introduced House Bill No. 5762, known as the Agricultural Land Conversion Ban Act. The bill aims to amend Section 20 of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) to impose stricter conditions on agricultural land conversion. These measures are intended to protect food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development by restricting land reclassification.

De Lima emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the unchecked conversion of agricultural lands for non-agricultural uses threatens vital national interests. She highlighted the need for increased support for farmers and fisherfolk to enhance their production and income, rather than repurposing agricultural lands for subdivisions, resorts, or other establishments.

Data from the Department of Agrarian Reform indicates that 98,939 hectares of land were approved for conversion from 1988 to 2016, with an additional 120,381 hectares approved for exemption from land reform coverage. Furthermore, de Lima cited information from the National Irrigation Administration, which reports that about 165,000 hectares of irrigated prime agricultural land are converted for other uses annually.

De Lima also pointed out alarming instances of illegal land conversions, some involving major real estate corporations, as evidenced by reliable sources and ground reports. She argued that the government must prioritize the right to adequate food by robustly protecting agricultural lands and food-producing areas, while supporting the rights and welfare of farmers and fisherfolk.