Manila: A Department of Agriculture (DA) order halting land conversion applications is being hailed as a protective measure against escalating food insecurity, according to Senator Francis Pangilinan. On Monday, Pangilinan emphasized the importance of the DA's recent directive as a buffer for the nation's agricultural stability.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued DA Circular No. 1, Series of 2026, which temporarily suspends the processing of applications to convert agricultural lands into residential subdivisions or industrial uses. Senator Pangilinan highlighted the potential consequences of such conversions, stating, "Kung patuloy ang pagtanim ng semento, aani ang bansa ng mas malalang kagutuman (If the country keeps planting cement, it will harvest deeper hunger)."

Pangilinan further elaborated that the six-month halt on land conversion applications offers immediate protection to vital food-producing areas. This pause allows for Senate deliberations on his proposed Agricultural Land Conversion Ban Act (Senate Bill No. 220), which aims to establish a more permanent policy against transforming agricultural lands for non-agricultural purposes.

The senator underscored the importance of preserving farmlands to ensure a long-term food supply, noting that even a temporary freeze until June could significantly bolster local agriculture and the food industry. "Kailangan natin ng magsasaka. Kailangan ng magsasaka ng lupang sakahan para pakainin ang buong bansa (We need farmers. Farmers need farmland to feed the entire nation)," he asserted.

The proposed measure seeks to implement stricter safeguards on land reclassification by requiring clearances from the DA, Department of Agrarian Reform, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, alongside local government unit approvals, before any agricultural lands can be converted for other uses.