Decision 29 G.R. No. 215988 Zoning ordinances are integral to urban planning. Their pnmary purpose is to regulate land use to ensure the general welfare of the community. By creating distinct zones and ensuring strict compliance, the local government can control the growth and development of its territory, optimizing its potential without sacrificing the safety and comfort of its constituents. Executive Order No. 72, Series of 1993 (Providing for the Preparation and Implementation of the Comprehensive Land Use Plans of Local Government Units Pursuant to the Local Government Code of 1991 and other Pertinent Laws) devolved the power of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board to issue permits and locational clearances for local projects to cities and municipalities with approved comprehensive land use plans. 124 The Planning and Development Office of Baguio City was tasked with the preparation of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan 125 and its implementation based on the Zoning Ordinance. 126 It performs the discretionary act of issuing a zoning compliance certification or a locational clearance based on its interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance. 127 Here, Engineer Cayat, the officer-in-charge of the Planning and Development Office of Baguio City, testified that a zoning clearance was issued to the SM Pines Resort Project on Luneta Hill as it conformed to both the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Zoning Ordinance. 128 She testified: [Court]: Which means that it conforms to all the requirements of your Office? [Engr. Cayat]: Yes, Your Honor. 124 125 126 127 12s Executive Order No. 72 (1993), sec. 3 provides: SECTION 3. Plan implementation. - (a) The authority of the HLRB to issue locational clearances for locally-significant projects is hereby devolved to cities and municipalities with comprehensive land use plans reviewed and approved in accordance with this Order. Such cities and municipalities shall likewise be responsible for the institution of other actions in the enforcement of the provisions thereof. For this purpose, they may call on the HLRB and such other NGAs for any legal and technical assistance. Based on established national standards and priorities, the HLRB shall continue to issue locational clearances for projects considered to be of vital and national or regional economic or environmental significance. Unless otherwise declared by the NEDA Board, all projects shall be presumed locallysignificant. b) All fees and other charges previously collected by the HLRB for the issuance of locational clearances shall now accrue entirely to the city or municipality concerned. (c) Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Order, the HLRB shall design and install an information system to monitor (I) changes in the actual use of land resources; and (2) the implementation of comprehensive land use plans by LGUs with a view to ensuring compliance with national policies, standards, and guidelines. Rollo p. 536. Id. at 529-531. Id. at 537-539. Id. /