Abalos: National Land Use Act vital to PH food security
Benhur Abalos in the Alyansa campaign rally in Sta. Rosa, Laguna
MANILA, Philippines – Former Interior Secretary and senatorial candidate Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. vowed to push for the immediate passage of the long-delayed passage of the National Land Use Act if elected to the Senate in the May 2025 elections.
Speaking during a press conference of Alyansa Para sa Pagbabago senatorial candidates held in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Abalos echoed growing concerns over the rapid loss of farmlands amid unchecked urban development. He stressed the urgency of passing the long-overdue National Land Use Act to prevent a deeper food crisis.
Benhur Abalos greeted warmly by Laguna folk watching the motorcade
“Importante ang food security sa ating bansa damang dama natin ang issue ay presyo ng bigas, ang presyo ng palay at ang issue nitong itong klase na nangyayari sa ating mga palayan ay hindi lang nangyayari sa Laguna ito ay nangyayari sa buong Pilipinas,” Abalos stressed.
“This is about food. This is about life. This is about our future,” he added. “Without food sustainability, we put our future at risk.”
Abalos said local governments must also act swiftly by offering incentives to landowners to retain their farmlands, such as lowering real property taxes (amilyar) on agricultural land.
“What we could do is provide incentives at the local level so that landowners would think twice before selling their land. If you give them incentives not to sell, and on top of that, offer them property tax discounts,” he said.
He also called for stronger support systems for farmers — from better infrastructure to more accessible loans and affordable crop insurance.
“Second, we need to strengthen infrastructure, especially when it comes to agriculture,” he stressed.
“You wake up one day, and the rice fields are gone. That’s why we need the National Land Use Act now. For me, food sustainability is our lifeline. If elected to the Senate, I will fight for its immediate passage. Nakarekord ito — count me in,” he vowed.
As former DILG secretary, Abalos said he saw the gap in technical capacity among many LGUs, particularly 4th to 6th class municipalities, which he said often lack the legal and planning expertise to create their own comprehensive land use plans.
“Many local governments don’t even have lawyers or urban planners. That’s the reality on the ground. During my time at DILG, I tapped DHSUD and universities to help them, but we need a more permanent solution,” he explained.
“This is not just about zoning or development — this is about our ability to grow food, to survive. That’s why I’m all in for the Land Use Act,” he said.
