Posted on 10:39 PM, January 21, 2010 [ BusinessWorld Online ]
DAVAO CITY -- The city’s agricultural sector has called on property developers to go slow in converting farms into subdivisions.
Adolfo P. Cañete, chairman of the Agricultural Development Board of Davao, said developments in the property sector have affected farmers and, eventually, could have a negative impact on food production.
"I believe it is better for the developers to concentrate on vertical buildings for residential housing, rather than convert farms into subdivisions," said Mr. Cañete.
His colleague in the board, Ednar Carlos G. Dayanghirang, added that some companies have resorted to land banking, or buying raw agricultural land for future non-agriculture use.
"We cannot do anything about this, but we call on government to come up with regulations that will address this concern," Mr. Dayanghirang added.
The two officials feared that if the trend continues, food production could become a problem.
Mr. Cañete said his group has started discussing the issue with several organizations whose members are into property development.
"There were a few that made their commitments to look into the issues," he said.
Housing developers have confirmed that their market -- particularly the middle-income segment -- has grown significantly.
One property developer, who did not want to be quoted since he does not have the authority to speak for the sector, said developers should not be blamed for converting farms into subdivisions.
"The owners of the land need to decide which endeavor is more profitable...So this is not the problem of companies because we are just doing what we need to do. After all, we are also helping government address the housing backlog," he said.
Most of the housing projects, he argued, are in areas that had already been identified as residential zones.
The source said that although there are a few projects in agricultural areas, developers have been trying to strike the middle ground -- for instance: using existing orchards to attract buyers.
"I believe companies will respect any policy which the government believes is advantageous to the majority," he said. -- CQF
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