The passage of the bill, pending for two decades now, is expected to provide legal and other mechanisms not only for land reform areas, but also zoned areas for water and water uses, especially for agriculture. This is especially important in anticipation of the end of the agrarian reform program and the subsequent opening of the land market. Further, it is envisioned that the policy shall serve as guide to the optimum allocation of land among competing uses within the framework of sustainable development. It shall also provide a mechanism for resolving land use policy conflicts taking into consideration the principles of social equity and economic efficiency.