AFTER much scrutiny and deliberation, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) approved the land use and development plans of Ormoc City and Southern Leyte – the first ones presented to the Department since its creation in 2019.

In a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario gladly signed the certificates of approval of Ormoc City’s 2017-2027 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Southern Leyte’s 2019-2029 Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP).

After submission of required documents and undergoing comprehensive reviews, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez and City Planning and Development Coordinator Engineer Raoul Cam presented the city’s 10-year plan and secured approval from the DHSUD.

The CLUP will now serve as the foremost basis of land resource utilization in the city as it addresses urban congestion, housing needs, road and waterways, industrialization, as well as watershed and forest management, among other pressing issues.

“Today, we heard how Ormoc City aims to pursue the growth and development of the city and its constituents. I commend Mayor Gomez and his staff for a job well done — this plan will significantly impact the way the city will look and function, dictate the kind of environment your people will live in and shape the future of Ormocanons,” said Secretary Del Rosario.

“And so, I declare the approval of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Ormoc City for 2017 to 2027, as we also find it aligned with the city’s goals and aspirations, as well as the principles of sustainable development,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Southern Leyte’s PDPFP will serve as the foundation of Southern Leyte’s overall development and will act as the blueprint of its land use plans — all of which must be compliant with national standards and guidelines.

The plan, presented by key officials of Southern Leyte’s Provincial Planning and Development Office led by Governor Damian Mercado, will also provide directions as to the allocation of land areas for urban expansion, settlement areas, infrastructure projects, production areas and protection areas of the province.

“The pandemic has revealed the vulnerabilities of our towns and cities, disrupting people’s lives — but looking at your plan earlier, I am hopeful that Southern Leyte is poised to hurdle this obstacle,” Secretary Del Rosario said.

“We find your Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan compliant with our national standards and guidelines. With that, I declare the approval of the PDPFP of Southern Leyte, 2019-2029.”

By virtue of Republic Act 11201 — the law which institutionalized the DHSUD — the agency is tasked to assist LGUs in the preparation, review and approval of their CLUPs, Provincial Physical Framework Plans (PPFP), as well as Zoning Ordinances and Local Shelter Plans.

Also present in the event were key officials of the DHSUD’s Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau led by OIC-Director Nora Diaz, and Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners college fellow and DHSUD consultant Roque Magno, EnP.

Four more provinces and two cities are scheduled to present their PPFPs and CLUPs for approval and ratification in the next weeks.