LandUse - LGRC DILG 10

LAND USE/
PHYSICAL FRAMEWORK
7.2 Trends
If historical data is available (on previous land use distributions), note the land uses that are
increasing or decreasing. Compare the levels and rates of change with other
provinces, the host region or the country as a whole. Identify the areas where
significant changes (conversion) are taking place.
If data is unavailable, simply describe the trends and identify the areas based on local
knowledge. Try to explain the causes of the changes and trends.
If population is increasing and is expected to increase in the future, the trend should show increasing
built up areas. A decrease in the share of built up areas is unusual and needs to be explained.
Changes in land uses are inevitable and are often signs of a vibrant community and economy. But they
may also introduce new environmental threats or requirements. Some are the result of market-based
pressures that emanate from higher value land uses.
For the PDP, the focus should be on changes that are taking place on a medium-long term basis—
expansion of built up areas, conversion of agricultural, cultivation of forest areas—as well as those that
occur on an urban or regional scale, instead of changes dealing with specific parcels of land. The latter
are best addressed in individual city/municipal development and land use plans.
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