Business sector joins civil society groups for responsible land use in Yolanda areas

MAKATI (June 5, 2014-MPF News) --- The Campaign for Land Use Policy Now (CLUP Now) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) partnered to call on the business sector and government agencies to observe proper land use planning standards in the efforts of rebuilding Yolanda-stricken areas.

In a conference held at Makati Shangri-La Hotel today, businessmen gathered to discuss issues on land use planning, aiming to provide a long-term solution to the impacts of disasters, especially those affecting business.

“The role played by the business sector is crucial not only to the economy of the country but also more importantly to the improvement in the lives of the community that will result from economic progress. Typhoon Yolanda exposed the vulnerabilities of our economy and our businesses to climate disasters. I believe we could mitigate business risks brought about by climate change if we have better land use planning and enforcement,” said Rafael Lopa, executive director of PBSP.

The conference highlighted the current rebuilding and community development in Yolanda affected communities, and how to create an enabling environment to put in place better land use planning in the devastated areas.

“Our business sector, especially those in the small and medium enterprises, need to be informed on how proper land use can create a positive impact to their businesses. As businesses are located in geo-hazard and flood-prone areas, operations of these businesses are not always secure” said Anthony Marzan, convenor of CLUP Now.

The conference was called seven months after Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) wreaked havoc in the country. Estimates from the National Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) said it left a total of Php 89.6 billio worth of damages, of which Php 9.6 billion affected infrastructure and Php 21.8 billion pertained to production losses.

CLUP Now has been campaigning for the passage of the National Land Use Act (NLUA). At present, the bill has just passed the third reading in the Lower House last June 2 with 194 affirmative votes.

The conference was graced by Sec. Panfilo Lacson, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR), NLUA co-author and Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat, Jr. and Mayor Sandy Javier of Javier, Leyte.

(By Kim Alvarez, 0918-6545059, kbalvarez@gmail.com and

Maricel Tolentino, 0917 8191089, celalmo@gmail.com)