LGUs urged to upgrade their comprehensive land use plans

LGUs urged to upgrade their comprehensive land use plans

By Elsa S. Subong, Thursday 1st of November 2012

ILOILO CITY, Nov 1 (PIA6) -- The local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas are urged to upgrade their Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) to keep up with development trends in their respective areas.

The Housing and Land Use Development Board (HLURB) said the CLUP serves as basis for zoning ordinances and other major programs, and is vital to the development of the community.

Rose Marie Bermejo of the HLURB said only 52 of the 133 LGUs in the region have updated their CLUPs while 81 more need updating.

Bermejo said that in Iloilo, 18 of the 44 municipalities have undertaken updating of their CLUPs.

These towns are Ajuy, Alimodian, Anilao, Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Calinog, Guimbal, Janiuay, Leganes, Lemery, Mina, Pavia, San Dionisio and San Enrique.

Bermejo added that the rest of the municipalities and cities, including Iloilo City, have already submitted their updated CLUPs subjected to approval of the HLURB Central Office.

HLURB-6 records showed that Aklan had only two out 17 LGUs that have updated their CLUPs, Antique has 10 of 18, Capiz has 10 of 17, Negros has 10 of 32 and all towns in Guimaras have yet to update their CLUPs.

HLURB said that CLUPs show how the towns or cities promote programs on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, historic and cultural heritage conservation, preserving biodiversity, proper forest and coastal land uses.

The National Economic and Development Authority has underscored the importance of CLUPs such that LGUs are able to attain faster growth and decrease risks in disasters.

HLURB said lack of budget should not deter a local government unit from upgrading its CLUP. (JCM/ESS-PIA 6, Iloilo)

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