Former Vice President and senatorial aspirant Jejomar Binay on Monday, April 18, said that the damage dealt by tropical storm "Agaton" and super typhoon "Odette" in the country underscores the need for a National Land Use law.

Binay explained that such a law will identify hazard and danger areas in localities which should be designated as no-build zones by local authorities.

“A National Land Use Law would help prevent the loss of lives and livelihood as a result of typhoons and other natural calamities caused by climate change,” Binay said.

“The law would maximize the best use of lands, and will delineate specific uses for particular lands,” he added.

Binay said massive urbanization is causing an adverse effect in today's society, especially in terms of land use and management such as the lack of housing and increase in informal settlers. He added that there is a need to harmonize existing laws and adopt a consistent land use policy.

“The law will also designate certain lands for protection and conservation, for agriculture and fisheries, as well as for residential, manufacturing, industrial, and infrastructure use,” Binay said.

The former vice president, who served as housing czar from 2010 to 2015, said that a national land use plan will also help ensure food security in the country.

“If the land is irrigable, then it should be reserved for agricultural use,” he said.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDDRMC), super typhoon Odette caused P29.3 billion of infrastructure damages, along with P22.3 billion of agricultural damage and P63 million worth of damages to houses, with a combined total of P51.8 billion. It is considered as the second costliest typhoon in the country.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) estimated P703 million in agricultural damages caused by tropical storm Agaton. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also reported P145 million in infrastructural damages, for a total of P849 million.