The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM, through its Environment, Land Use and Urban Development Division (ELUUDD) under the Technical and Regulatory Services (TRS), assisted the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Wao, Lanao del Sur on the Formulation and Updating of their Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance (ZO) held at Daniel’s Place, Brgy. Extension Wao, Lanao del Sur on August 22-25, 2023.

Led by Suharto S. Wahab, EnP, REA, REB, TRS Director II, with the assistance of  the MHSD’s Provincial Office in Lanao del Sur, led by Director I Benjamin D. Alangca, EnP, RF, the activity highlighted presentations of several planning methods on how land is used to help a community grow well while taking care of the nature.

“Working together shows us how important it is to plan land use carefully for the community to develop well. With experts and local leaders working together, the plan they’re making for the CLUP and ZO becomes promising. This kind of big change will have a positive effect everywhere, making the whole country progress and the people better off,” shared Marjan P. Saminoden, Project Development Assistant.

Insights were gathered from various stakeholders, resulting in a well-informed land use plan. The Wao community was engaged, allowing their concerns and ideas to be heard and to promote transparency. The workshop facilitated consensus building among different groups and ensured legal compliance. By involving the community, sustainable development was promoted by considering environmental and social factors.

Led by Elvino B. Balicao, Local Chief Executive, the participants from the LGU of Wao were Bella S. Bobadilla, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) and staff,  Antonieto R. Montanez, Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Officer (MENRO) and staff, Perla A. Iniego, Municipal Civil Registrar (MCR) and staff, Mark Anthony Villamas, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (MDRRMO) and staff, and the Local Peace Engagement Team and administrative staff.