VP Binay confers Zero Backlog award to Bicol's Local governments

By Joseph John J. Perez

LEGAZPI CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- This city and Basud town in Camarines Norte led the 33 localities in Bicol cited for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) Zero Backlog Program of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

Vice-President Jejomar Binay, who was in this city and conferred the award over the weekend, said that 14 local government units in Bicol region have already completed their respective CLUPs and the two have an approved CLUP by the local sanggunian of this city, Basud, their respective provincial sanggunian.

The CLUP Zero Backlog Program of the HLURB aims to assist all LGUs to update or craft their own CLUP. The CLUP is both the articulation and guide for local development.

Binay emphasized the importance of the CLUP as a requirement for LGUs under the Local Government Code.

“It is the map for achieving their vision, not only does it spells out the different land uses of the city or municipality, it also guides the LGU in determining areas for priority development,” Binay said.

Binay cited as example the construction of farm-to-market roads that are not being utilized due to its distance from its end users will be avoided if guided by CLUP. Likewise, thorough study of land type and location brought about by CLUP will ensure that houses will not be constructed in flood prone areas that pose great risk and destruction to the livelihood of the community, Binay said.

Both this city and Basud received citation in the Gold category while Juban in Sorsogon was awarded in the Silver category. Eleven other LGUs were declared awardees in the Bronze category composed of Daraga, Jovellar, Malilipot, Rapu-Rapu and Sto. Domingo in Albay; Daet and Talisay in Camarines Norte; Milaor and Minalabac in Camarines Sur; Masbate City and San Pascual in Masbate.

Nineteen other LGUs were given certificates of completion composed of Tabaco City and Tiwi in Albay; Capalonga in Camarines Norte; Baao, Bombon, Buhi, Bula, Canaman, Caramoan, Presentacion, Sagñay and Tigaon in Camarines Sur; Aroroy, Claveria, Milagros, Mobo, Palanas, San Fernando and San Jacinto in Masbate.

Binay called on other LGUs who have not yet crafted or updated their CLUP that he will not cease to advocate for its importance. “The formulation of the CLUP is not an easy task but once you have completed it and you follow it in the implementation of your projects, you will eventually see the fruits of your labor,” Binay said. (MAL/JJJP/PIA5-Albay)