The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol (SP) has approved an ordinance that seeks to maximize the use of idle private and government-owned lands in the province for agri-fishery production.
The measure primarily aims to ensure food sufficiency and security in the province, as well as increase revenue collection of additional real property taxes on idle lands.
The sponsor of the approved ordinance is Board Member Ricky Masamayor. He is the Chairperson on the Committee on Agriculture. The measure was approved on Mar. 22, 2022.
He said the province has several idle lots.
These lots can be utilized for agriculture and fishery business.
Masamayor added that private investors who will invest in the utilization of idle lands for agricultural or fisheries production, either through short-term or long-term lease, will be encouraged to settle the unpaid real property taxes on idle lands in exchange for investment opportunities.
This process will pave the way for increasing the tax collection efficiency of the provincial government.
Under the ordinance, local government units (LGU) are tasked to conduct the mapping of all alienable and disposable lands in their respective localities.
Then the LGUs are going to identify the lots that are idle.
The LGUs shall consult with the landowners if they have corresponding development plans for the idle lands or if they are open to short or long-term lease agreements with investors.
As specified in the ordinance, the idle land shall be used solely for agricultural or fisheries purposes.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist will act as the facilitator in the implementation of the program by ensuring the rights of both parties are protected.