University of Southeastern Philippines

Graduate School of Agriculture and Related Sciences

Tagum-Mabini Campus, Apokon, Tagum City
Philippines 8100
ERM 211 – INTEGRATED LAND USE PLANNING

Student Name: MATT B. TACATANI

Position Paper on the Rationale and 12 Steps of Land Use Planning Process

1. What should be the guiding principles in land use planning?

Comprehensive Land Use Planning (CLUP) is a fundamental instrument for

guiding sustainable development practices, ensuring optimal land use, and promoting

public welfare, economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. The

rationale for CLUP is underpinned by a comprehensive set of guiding principles

derived from various legal mandates, national frameworks, and strategic documents.

Firstly, CLUP is anchored in legal mandates and an enabling policy environment

that emphasizes the State's responsibility to formulate land use policies in the interest

of public welfare, safety, and economic advancement. This constitutional support

empowers government entities to undertake land use planning activities guided by

principles of sustainable development and public interest.

Moreover, CLUP aligns with national plans and programs such as the Philippine

Agenda 21 (PA 21), which advocates for poverty reduction, social equity, good

governance, peace, solidarity, and ecological integrity. Additionally, CLUP principles

are consistent with the National Framework for Physical Planning (NFPP),

emphasizing food security, environmental stability, regional urban development,

 spatial integration, equitable resource access, public-private partnerships, people

empowerment, and indigenous rights.

Furthermore, CLUP supports climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts

through its alignment with the National Strategic Framework for Climate Change

(NSFCC) and the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP). It adopts an

integrated ecosystem-based management approach and facilitates local climate

change action planning, ensuring coherence with broader climate resilience

strategies.

Additionally, CLUP contributes to achieving the Millennium Development Goals

(MDG), particularly Goal 7 on environmental sustainability, by integrating sustainable

development principles into policies and programs, especially in land management

and resource conservation efforts.

In terms of its preparation process, CLUP adopts principles such as watershed-

based planning, inclusive governance, co-management, gender responsiveness,

integration of barangay development plans, and a top-to-bottom approach. These

principles ensure that CLUP integrates local, national, and regional priorities, fosters

stakeholder participation, addresses gender and social considerations, and promotes

coherence and sustainability in land use decision-making.

2. What is the most important step in land use planning?

Within the CLUP framework, twelve distinct steps outline a comprehensive

approach to formulating land use plans that align with local priorities and national

development objectives. Each step plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of land

use decisions and their impact on communities and the environment. While all steps

are integral to the planning process, one step stands out as particularly crucial for
translating plans into tangible actions on the ground. The twelve steps of CLUP are as

follows:

Step 1: Organize - Assemble the personnel, resources, and support needed for the

planning process.

Step 2: Identify Stakeholders - Recognize and engage participants who can play an

active role in the planning process.

Step 3: Set the Vision - Define the future that you want.

Step 4: Analyze the Situation - Identify the issues, potentials, and future

development needs of the area.

Step 5: Set the Goals and Objectives - Formulate achievable goals and objectives

responsive to the area's needs.

Step 6: Establish Development Thrust and Spatial Strategies - Translate the vision

and situation analysis into a desired physical form.

Step 7: Prepare the Land Use Plan - Translate the vision, goals, and objectives into

a land use plan.

Step 8: Draft the Zoning Ordinance - Translate the Land Use Plan into an integrated

Zoning Ordinance (ZO) and complementary ordinances.

Step 9: Conduct Public Hearing - Systematically build consensus on the final draft

of the CLUP/ZO.

Step 10: Review, Adopt, and Approve the CLUP and ZO - Conduct a

comprehensive review, adoption, and approval/ratification of the CLUP/ZO.

Step 11: Implement the CLUP and ZO - Set prerequisite measures to realistically

implement the CLUP and ZO.

Step 12: Monitor and Evaluate the CLUP and ZO - Assess the progress and

effectiveness of the plan's implementation.

 In my own opinion, Step 11 (Implementing the CLUP and ZO) emerges as

the most pivotal stage. While all steps are integral, effective implementation is

paramount as it determines the translation of plans into tangible actions and outcomes

on the ground.

The significance of Step 11 lies in its role as the bridge between planning and

action. Despite the meticulous formulation of land use plans, their efficacy ultimately

hinges on their practical application and enforcement. Without robust implementation

mechanisms, even the most well-crafted CLUPs risk remaining mere documents

without meaningful impact. Therefore, prioritizing Step 11 ensures that the intentions

and goals set forth in the CLUP are translated into concrete initiatives that drive

sustainable development and promote the well-being of communities.

Step 11 entails setting prerequisite measures to realistically implement the

CLUP and ZO. This involves allocating resources, establishing institutional structures,

and implementing procedures to facilitate plan execution. From capacity assessment

to the enactment of necessary measures and instruments, Step 11 lays the

groundwork for effective plan implementation. It empowers local government units

(LGUs) to design and tailor their approaches according to their specific contexts,

fostering ownership and accountability in the implementation process.

Furthermore, Step 11 underscores the importance of creativity and adaptability

in governance. LGUs are encouraged to devise innovative strategies and mechanisms

to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in implementing the CLUP. By

fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, Step 11 fosters dynamic and responsive

governance practices that are essential for achieving sustainable development goals.

Moreover, Step 11 emphasizes the need for robust monitoring, review, and

evaluation (MRE) mechanisms to track the progress of CLUP implementation. Regular

assessment ensures that development efforts remain aligned with the overarching

vision and goals outlined in the CLUP. It enables LGUs to identify gaps, measure

outcomes, and make informed adjustments to strategies and interventions, thereby

enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of land use planning initiatives.