The following is a map which depicts how the land in the Philippine islands is utilized.
Land Utilization Map | Image Source
From the sixteenth century up to the present day, the history of land utilization of the Philippines is based on the existing statistics, inventories, and other research and studies.
When the country was integrated into the world economy in the eighteenth century, conversion of forest land to agriculture land began.
Agricultural land and grassland continue to increase therefore causing forest cover to decline rapidly. Apparently, the trend of converting forest land to other uses accelerated due to population growth and economic opportunities.
Based on statistics, the current two biggest land uses in the country are commercial forest and cultivated land.
Smallest percentage of land, way smaller than uncultivated land, is currently being used for fish pond development. More than 34% of the cultivated land produce rice, followed by corn at 27%, and coconut at 21%. The other three popular crops in the country are sugarcane, abaca, and tobacco.
Population growth and economic opportunities have stimulated the conversion of forest land to other uses.
Notable conversion of forest to agriculture started in the eighteenth century when the Philippines was integrated into the world economy.
During this century, forest cover has continued to decline rapidly while the areas of intensive agriculture and extensive land uses have continued to increase.
Laws ensure rational land utilization and sustainable urban and regional development in the Philippines.
