A Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the preservation of agricultural area in Dumaguete City was submitted to the Sanggunian  for evaluation and approval.

City Agriculture officer William Ablong said at least 40 percent of the 948 hectares remaining agricultural land is uncultivated and idle. As shown by a recent survey and evaluation of all agricultural lands in the city.

Ablong said his office plans  to expand this area to 1,200 hectares.

He said part of the CLUP is the strict regulation of preventing the conversion of agricultural land into residential or commercial use.

Because of the growing population of Dumaguete, some of the good agricultural areas are being converted into subdivisions and housing projects, Ablong also said.

He said the city is now trying to communicate with the owners of these idle lands so they can be utilized for agriculture development. Land areas to be sold for commercial purposes still have to undergo evaluation and approval, Ablong said, adding that urban development should not be a reason to sacrifice food production.*MA

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