PRA INVESTIGATING ILLEGAL RECLAMATIONS
President’s ‘Land for the Landless Program’ seen as key beneficiary
THE Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), an agency under the Office of the President, is investigating the many incidents of illegal land reclamations all over the country that not only weakened its regulatory authority but also failed to contribute to national development in a coherent manner while leaving affected communities vulnerable.
In a statement, the PRA also reminded that all reclamation projects must secure its prior approval and those undertaken without its consent could face ‘CDOs’ (cease-and-desist order), forfeiture of the reclaimed areas and administrative, civil, or criminal liabilities.
Legitimate reclamation projects undergo a strict review process to ensure environmental protection and public safety, the agency stressed.
The PRA also emphasized that under the law, the agency remains the sole authority in overseeing all reclamation matters nationwide, and that all projects are expected to align with national development goals and environmental safeguards.
The PRA also clarified that the ‘FLA’ (foreshore lease agreement) and ‘MLA’ (miscellaneous lease agreement) issued to proponents by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are not reclamation permits.
Strengthening ‘Land for the Landless’ Program
In a presentation before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang last January 20, PRA Chairman Atty. Alex Lopez said they have already identified several questionable reclamation projects totaling 902,900 sqm (92.29 hectares) located in the Bicol Region, Casiguran Island (14 hectares), Cebu (1 hectare), Romblon (0.29 hectares), Palawan (6 hectares), and Las Piñas City (2 hectares).
The PRA also emphasized that under the law, the agency remains the sole authority in overseeing all reclamation matters nationwide, and that all projects are expected to align with national development goals and environmental safeguards.
The questionable reclaimed lands in the Bicol Region are in Masbate (42 hectares), Sorsogon (9 hectares), Paracale (14 hectares) and Jose Panganiban (2 hectares), both in Camarines Norte.
Lopez informed the President that these areas can be used to support his ‘Land for the Landless Program’ (L4LP) that is envisioned to accelerate the government’s community-based mass housing program where beneficiaries are also provided with livelihood support and economic opportunities.
The PRA estimates that from these reclaimed lands alone, between 26,000 to 45,000 families would benefit from the L4LP.
He added that if successfully implemented, the L4LP would be among the key legacies of the administration that would be remembered by Filipinos beyond the President’s term.
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