hf policy paper 5: restoring the philippine rainforests

7/31/2019 HF Policy Paper 5: Restoring the Philippine Rainforests

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Haribon Policy Paper No. 5 CY 2010

the Forest resources Bill


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table of contents

I. Introduction

II. FrequentlyAskedQuestions

III. TeForestResourcesBill

ChapterI

ChapterII:ClassicationoPermanentForestlands

ChapterIII:AdministrationandManagementoForestlandsandItsResources

ChapterIV:ForestManagementPlanning,MonitoringandAssessment

ChapterV:ReorestationandRestoration

ChapterVI:Community-BasedForestManagementStrategy

ChapterVII:Wood-BasedIndustries

ChapterVIII:Charges,FeesandGovernmentShare

ChapterIX:reeParks

ChapterX:Protection

ChapterXI:Research,Education,rainingandExtension

ChapterXII:OensesandPenalties

ChapterXIII:AdministrativeProvisions

ChapterXIV:FinalProvisions

III. Acknowledgement

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IntroductIon

A History o Forest Policy

heregulation,centralization,andinequalityoorestpolicy,asdescribedbySajise

(1998),goeswaybackduringthecolonialperiod,whentheownershipoallthelandsandresourcesowhatwouldbecomethePhilippineswasstrippedromthepeopleandclaimedbytheSpanishcrownthroughtheregaliandoctrine.Tisconceptostate

ownershipwasembodiedeveninthesucceedingAmericanandpost-colonialadministrations,downtoourpresentConstitution.TeForestServicewasestablishedin1863,accordingtoPulhinandPulhin(2002),whileGarrityandhiscolleagues(ascitedinFernando,2005)estimatedthat68%oourlandswerecoveredinorestsduring1876.

ForestpolicyremainedhighlyregulatoryandcentralizedthroughouttheAmericanperiodandmostothepresidencyoFerdinandMarcos(Fernando2005).ItwastheAmericanswhoallowedlargeareasoourlandstobeopenedorcommerciallogging,andwhoalsoenactedthe1904ForestAct,ourveryrstbasisoorestlegislation.Atertheindependence,theorestindustryurthergrew

whilemoreandmoretreeswereelled,andbythe1950sloggingconcessionscovered25%othetotalpublicorestland.Teseconcessionsweregrantedbothornationaldevelopmentandorthepoliticalavorsbenettingmultinationalcorporationsandtherulingclass(Vitug2000).

Butitwasalsoaroundthattimewhentheseedsosustainableorestmanagement(SFM)wereplantedthePhilippineSelectiveLoggingSystemwasintroducedin1953.TesystemadvocatedSFM,includingtheregulationotimberharvestingprocedures,butitwasnotsuccessullyimplemented(Fernando2005).

TeMarcosyearsweresaidtobethepeakodeorestationasmoreloggingconcessionsweregiventopoliticalallies,themarketorwhatwastoutedasPhilippineMahoganygrewevenbigger,andthepopulationalsoincreased,leadingtotheexpansionoagricultureandinrastructureintheuplands

(Pulhin2002).Vitug(2000)addsthatpolicieswerenotheeded,theorestagencyitselwasbothweakandcorrupt,andthebusinesscostswerelowenoughtoattracturtherexploitationoorestresources.

Teorestcoverwasestimatedtohavedroppedto35%by1969(Garrityetal.inFernando2005),whichusheredinanewsetoeortstowardSFM,particularlyCommunity-BasedForestManagement(CBFM).Communityorestryprogramswereintroducedin1975andintegratedin1982throughtheIntegratedSocialForestryProgram(ISFP).Terstcomprehensiveattemptstoreormthelong-standing1904ForestActwerealsoinitiatedduringthesameperiodthroughthe1974ForestryReormCodeandthe1975RevisedForestryCode.

TeEDSARevolutionandCoryAquino'ssubsequentpresidencysignalledmuchneededchangesin

orestmanagement,asthe1988inventoryoDENR(2004)showedthatonly22%orestcoverwaslet.Te1987ConstitutionandNationalReorestationProgramtookoverromwhereISFPletoandreplacedconcessionswithmanagementagreementswithlocalcommunities,non-governmentorganizations,andcorporations.TeMasterPlanorForestryDevelopmentwasormulatedin1990.TeLocalGovernmentCodewasalsopassedduringherterm,in1991,anddevolvedsomeorestmanagementunctionstolocalgovernmentunits(LGUs).

ItisalsoworthnotingthattherstbillonSustainableForestManagementwasproposedinCongressin1990(Carandang2005),whiletheRamosandArroyoadministrationspassedthe1992NationalIntegratedProtectedAreasActandthe2004executiveorderpromotingSFM,respectively.

Te current state o our orestsButwhiletheselandmarkpiecesolegislationkeptonpilingup,the1975RevisedForestryCodestillremainsasthelegislativebasisororestmangementandutilization.Toughithasbeen


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amendedmanytimes,itstilladdressesproblemsoextractionratherthanoconservationandsustainabledevelopment.Temazeolawsandordersactuallydomoretohamperthanhelpeectiveimplementation.

DENR'slatestestimateoorestcoverisataround24%(2003).Itdoessignalaslightincrease,butthiscanbe

attributedmoretotheadoptionoanewdenitionoorests,whichincludesorchardsandplantations,andnottotherestorationoorests.Tisgureisalsoinsucient,asweneedatleasthaloourtotallandareatobecoveredinorestsorthemtoadequatelyperormtheirecologicalunctions.

Weneedtoacceptthatdeorestationhasprimarilybeenanthropogenic,orcausedbyhumanactivity.ItwascarriedoutbyFilipinoswhoollowedahighlyresource-extractivedevelopmentrameworktosupporteconomicgrowth.Demand-drivenandtop-leveldecision-makingintheloggingandminingsectorshavesubvertedthesustainabilityoorestresourcesandremainingorestlands.

Deorestationhasalsobeenexacerbatedbyweakgovernanceandunsustainablepolicy.Policiesonorestlanduseandmanagementconfictwitheachother,whileorestgovernancehasremainedhighlycentralizedinpractice,andcharacterizedbyineectiveandcorruptmanagement(Sajise1998,Vitug2000).

owards a new ramework o orest managementToseinvolvedinthecratingothisbillsharethesamebeliethattheprotectiononaturalorestsisinevitablebecauseotheirecological,social,andeconomicimportance.Tisiswhyremainingnaturalorests

shouldbeprotectedanddegradedorestsshouldberestored.Wealldependonorestsandbiodiversityorourbasicneeds.

Ournextpriorityistoensurethatorestsareresponsiblyandproperlymanagedusingecologically-soundscienceandsupportedbyastrongandsustainedramework

organization.Weneedtorationalizeaorestlandusepolicyandplanoutacomprehensiveanddenitiveorestmanagementprogramtoensurethatthenextgenerationswillbeabletobenetromorestresourcesandservices.

Wealsoneedtoensurethatorestmanagementwouldbetrulyparticipatoryandequitable.Localgovernmentunitsshouldbeempoweredtotaketheleadinorestmanagement,communitiesshouldparticipateandbenetromit,andtherightsoindigenouspeoplesshouldbeupheld.

Lastly,weneedtoensurethatorestmanagementeortswillbesustainablethemselvesthrougheducation.Weshouldnotonlyimproveormalorestryeducationbutalsoincludeenvironmentaleducationinalllevelsoeducation.EveryFilipinochildshouldlearntovalueandcareorourorests,makingsurethatthelessonstheyhavelearnedromuswillbeneverberepeated.

Note: Tere are two versions o the Forest Resources Billpending with the House Committee on Natural Resourcesas o October 2010. House Bill No. 3462 was fled by Rep.

Jesus F. Celeste, o the First District o Pangasinan, whileHouse Bill No. 3485 was fled by Rep. eodoro BrawnerBaguilat Jr. o Iugao.


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freQuentlY asKed QuestIons

1. What is the Forest Resources Bill?TeForestResourcesBil lisabillwhichseekstoensurethecontinuedandecientuseoorest

resourcesbypresentanduturegenerations.ItisaversionoaSustainableForestManagementBillpreparedbyHaribonanditspartnerorganizationsthatrefectstheirprinciplesandexperiencesromworkingintheorestryandbiodiversitysectors.

2. What are orest resources?Forestresourcescanreertotimber,wildlie,andnon-timberorestproductslikerattan,bamboo,rubber,paint,andoil.Soilandwaterarepartotheorestandarethereorealsoconsideredorestresources.

Forestresourcesalsoincludetheintangibleservicesorvaluesoorests.Teseareecologicalservices,suchasstoringwater,trappingcarbon,cleaningwaterandair,andminimizingtheimpactsofoodsbyhelpingtopreventerosionandsedimentation.

3. Why the change rom a Sustainable Forest Management Bill to a Forest Resources Bill?ItwassuggestedbysomeNGOstorenamethebilltoputintoocusouruseotheseresources,thebenetswegainromthem,andtheneedtoensurethatwecontinuetobenetromthemormanyyearstocome.FRBalsoseekstodisassociateitselromcurrentversionsotheSFMBillwhichusesarameworkthatisocusedonlogging.

4. When did the bill rst appear in legislatie policy?TeSustainableForestManagementBillwasrstledin1990.TeproceedingsonlygainedmomentumduringthepreviousCongress,withtheSenateBill3580reachingSecondReadingandmovedtotheSpecialOrderscalendar.SB3580wasledtoconsolidatetheourversionsoSenatorsLorenLegarda,JinggoyEjercito-Estrada,AntoniorillanesIV,andPiaCayetano.

Ontheotherhand,HouseBill5792byRepresentativeRuusRodriguezwasapprovedonTirdReadingandtransmittedtotheSenate.

However,thecomingothe15thCongressmeanswearebacktosquareoneyetagain.

5. What is the current status o the bill?AsoSeptember2010,SenatorsEjercito-Estrada,rillanes,andPiaCayetanohavealreadyreledtheirownversionsotheSFMBill,allowhicharecurrentlypendingintheCommitteeoEnvironmentandNaturalResources.RepresentativesRuusRodriguez,SusanYap,JuanEdgardoAngara,andAngeloPalmoneshavealsoledtheirownversions,whichhavebeenprimarilyreerredtotheHouseCommitteeonReorestation.

6. Why is Haribon pushing or a dierent ersion? And why should it be signed into law?HaribonandothercivilsocietyorganizationshavebeenlobbyingortheinclusionocriticalprovisionsintheSenateversioninthepastthreeyears,butthesewerenotincorporatedinSenateBill3580.Teseprovisionsarenecessarytoprotectourremainingorestsasthenationbravesitseltostandagainstanarrayonaturaldisastersandtheimpactsoclimatechange.

TeFirstSessionothe15thCongresshasonlyjustbegun,whichmeansthereistimeorpeople,especiallymembersothelegislature,toreconsiderreormingtheproposedorestpolicytoprioritizebiodiversityconservation,orestrestoration,andparticipatorygovernance.

7. Why is it important to protect our orests?BiodiversityinthePhilippinesisoneotherichestintheworld;wearepartothe17mega-diversecountrieswhichcollectivelyclaimtwothirdsoallglobalspecies.Buttwo-thirdsoourorestshavevanishedromthe1930sto1988,andwiththelossotheorestscamethelosso


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manyspecies,someprobablyorever.

Wehavetoconservetheorest,aswellasotherecosystems,becauseromthevarietyogenes,species,andecosystemscomesthevarietyonaturalresourcesandotherbenetswecurrentlyenjoy.Healthyorestsmeanasteadysupplyoood,

medicine,andshelterorwildlie.Teyalsomeanincomeromtimber,crops,ruittrees,rewood,andothernon-timberproductsorpeople.

Tentherearetheecologicalbenetsoorestswhicharediculttoprice,especiallyasasourceoourwaterwhichweuseorourhomes,agriculture,andindustries.Teyareindispensableinthiseraoclimatechangebecausetheyareeectiveintrappingcarbondioxide,regulatingclimate,providingprotectionromheavyrainsandstorms,andminimizingfashfoodsandlandslides.Teyarealsoourmainsourceocleanairandwater.

Lastly,orestshavemanyotherintangiblevalues:historical,educational,socialandcultural/aesthetic.Teseserveasvenuesorspiritual,culturalandevenrecreationalactivities.Teseevenserveashomesormanyindigenouspeople.

8. I we protect all our natural orests, will we be ableto address current timber demand?Yes,becauseonlyaround10%oourtimbercomeromnaturalorests(DENR,2008).About68%comeromproductionorestlandsortreeplantations,whiletherestwereimported.Wecanmakeuporthe10%andstrivetocompletelysourcetimberlocallyiwemanageourproductionorestlandsmoreeciently.

9. What are the important proisions o the ForestResources Bill?a.Te unctional denition oorestis used.TedenitionothetermorestadoptedbytheDepartmentotheEnvironmentandNatural

ResourcesandusedinthecurrentSenatebillisquestionable.Aorestcannotbedenedashavingtenpercent(10%)orestcoverinhalahectarebecauseitclearlydeestheroleoorestsintheenvironment,andraisesquestionsastowhetherorestsareviewedmainlyasacollectionotreesortimberutilization.

ItisunortunatethatthisdenitionwasadoptedbythePhilippinesromtheFoodandAgricultureOrganizationotheUnitedNations(FAO),whereinamajorityoitsmember-statesstilloptedtousethe

unctionaldenitionoorests.TisFAOdenitionwascratedoruseundertheCleanDevelopmentMechanismotheKyotoProtocol,andisindanger

obecomingobsoletebeyond2012.WewentonesteptooarwhentheDENRadopteditastheocialdenitionina2005memo.

TeFAOdenitionhidestherealrateodeorestationandmisleadspeopleintocomplacency.Itisveryinterestingtonotethatromthat

redenitionalone,orestareaaroundtheworldincreasedby300millionhectares(FAO,2005).Ithasledtotheincreaseinorestareasworldwidenotbecausewehavemadesuchhugestepsinreorestation,butbecausewecountedinthedenitionthetreeplantationsandevenhighlydegradedorcompletelybarrenlandswhichareexpectedtoreverttoorestovertime.

Italsodoesnotgiveusaclearpictureothestateoourbiodiversity,becausetreeplantationsarebasicallyjustacollectionotrees.Teyarenotecosystemsliketheorests,sustainingvariedplantandanimallieandmaintainingvariedbiologicalunctions.

Aorestisbestdescribedasanecosystemwhereintreesarethedominantlieorm,asacommunityoplantsandanimalsinteractingwithoneanotheranditsphysicalenvironment,andasconsistingotreeswithoverlappingcrowno60-100%orestcover,asdenedbytheUnitedStatesNationalVegetationClassicationsystem(Section4).

b.All remaining natural orests are protected.HariboncontinuestosupporttheproposalotheProtectedAreasandWildlieBureau(PAWB)otheDepartmentoEnvironmentandNaturalResources(DENR)todeneprotection orestlandsasallnaturalandrestoredorestsintheproposedbill.Commerciallogging,miningandothersimilarextractiveactivitiesareprohibitedinprotectionorestlands,andallexistingpermits,licensesandagreementsinthemwouldbeexcludedromcoverage.(Sections8,25,and28).

c.Forest restoration is prioritied. Provisionsororestrestorationmustbemorecomprehensiveandmadecompulsory.Restorationisultimatelyaboutbringingbackanareatoitsoriginalstateandinitialunction.Itisdierentromtreeplantationswheretheprimarypurposeistosupplytimber;itevenconnotesthattherearemanydierentstagesneededtoachieveitsoriginalstate.

Restorationalsohighlightstheneedtoplantnativetreespeciesthathaveagreaterchanceosurvivalin

areasidentiedorreorestation.Teuseonativeorindigenoustreespeciesiscrucialasitencouragesthegrowthoothernativeplantspecies,consequently


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contributingtogenuineecologicalrestorationandnotlimitingthebenetsotreeplantationtotheharvestotimber(Sections3and39).

d.Te watershed continuum is recognied as thebasic orestland management unit.Tewatershedcontinuumreerstoanareaconsistingothe

watershedanditsdivideincludingitsconnectionromtheheadwaterstotheree.Forestlandsshallbeconserved,developed,andmanagedusingthewatershedcontinuumasthebasicmanagementunitundertheconceptsosustainableandmultiple-usemanagement,includingtheconservationobiodiversity.Tebillrecognizesthatwatershedsaretransitionalandcomposedovariousinterconnectedecosystems.Everythingisinterconnected.Itollowsthatwhateverisdoneinonepartothewatershedcontinuumaectstheotherparts(Section3and35).

e.Indigenous people and other orest communitiescan harest orest products rom protectionorestlands or subsistence. Localcommunitiesdependentontheorestsorsurvival,includingindigenouspeople,aregivenaccesseventotimberproductsinprotectionorestlands,itheywereharvestedindesignatedwoodlotsortheirdailyneeds.Otherwise,onlynon-timberorestproductsareallowedtobeextractedromprotectionorestlands(Section24).

.Local goernments and communities haeimportant roles in orest management.Tecommunitiesaretheonesimmediatelyaectedbythestateotheirorests,sotheyshouldhaveasayonhowtheyaremanaged.Teroleolocalgovernmentunits(LGUs)inorestmanagementwillthereorebestrengthened.Tiswillstartthroughaco-managementagreementbetweentheDepartment,theDepartmentoInteriorandLocalGovernment,andtheconcernedLGUregardingtheunctionswhichshallbedevolved,providingorcapacity-buildingandempowermentmechanisms(Sections

12to21).

10. How will goernment bodies and LGUs carry outtheir unctions in orest management?Tenewgovernmentbodiestobecreatedwil lworkwithinexistingstructures.

a.Department o Enironment and NaturalResources.TeDENRistheprimaryagencyorconservation,restoration,andsustainableuseoorestlandsandunclassiedlandsothepublicdomain.Itshallormulateanationalorestry

masterplananditspolicies.CertainunctionsandpowersotheDepartmentmaybedevolvedtothelocalgovernmentunits(Section11).

b.Local goernment units. LGUsshallshareresponsibilityinthesustainablemanagementanduseoorestresourceswithintheirterritorialjurisdiction.TeyshallalsospearheadthepreparationandimplementationoorestlanduseandwatershedcontinuummanagementplanstobeintegratedintheLGUs'ComprehensiveLand

UsePlans.Teyaretobeassisted,however,bytheDENR,othergovernmentagencies,localcommunities,non-governmentorganizations(NGOs),andothersectors(Sections13and15).

c.Forest Board.TeBoardshallbeestablishedatthemunicipallevel,andshallconsistorepresentativesromtheconcernedLGU/sanddierentsectorssuchaswomen,armers,andindigenouspeople.Itwillbeinchargeotheover-allpolicydirectionorthemanagementotheorestlandsandorestresources.Itshallreviewandrecommendimplementationoprogramsandprojectsandperormoversightunctions,shallparticipateinthereviewandrecommendationorelevantpolicies,andshallacilitateandmonitorthedevolutionounctiontotheLGUs(Sections16and17).

d.Municipal Enironment and NaturalResources Ofce (MENRO).AMENROshallbecreated,includingthepositionortheMunicipalEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesOcer.TeMENROshallacilitatethepreparationomanagementplans,recommendrelevantpoliciestotheBoard,evaluateapplicationsororestmanagementagreements,monitortheperormanceoholdersoalltenurialinstruments,andmayrecommendappropriateactiontotheDENRregardingpolicyimplementation.TeMENROshallalsoexercisevisitorialpowersovertheorestlands(Sections18to20).

e.Forest Management Committees (FMC).AForestManagementCommitteeshallbecreated

undertheMunicipalDevelopmentCouncil.MunicipalitiesandcitiesallingwithinthesamewatershedcontinuumshallormasimilarcommitteewithintheProvincialDevelopmentCouncil,whileprovincesallingunderthesamecontinuumwillcreateacommitteewithintheRegionalDevelopmentCouncil.TesecommitteesshallberesponsibleorthepreparationotherequiredoverallmanagementplansinrelationtothedirectionsetbytheirrespectiveForestBoards(Section21).

11. What are the modes o management agreementsproposed under this bill?QualiedFilipinocitizens,associations,and


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corporationsareencouragedtohelpconserve,utilize,andmanageproductionorestlandsandtheirresourcesthroughtheollowing:a.Co-production agreement.Boththestateandprivateentityagreetoprovideinputsandsharetheproductsortheirequivalentincash.

b.Joint enture agreement.Testateandanentitywillorganizeajoint-venturecompanyandwillhaveequityshares.Testateshallalsobeentitledtoashareinthegrossoutput.

c.Production sharing agreement.Teentityprovidesallthenecessarynancing,technology,managementandpersonnel.Ontheotherhand,thestategrantstheentitytheexclusiverighttoconductorestrydevelopmentactivitieswithinthecontractarea.Teexclusiveright,however,isnotequivalenttoatitle.Testate,asownerotheorestproduct,alsosharesintheproductionwhetherincashorkind(Sections4and54).

12. How do we ensure that orest management eortsare sustained?a.Inclusion o biodiersity conseration andsustainable orest management in schoolcurricula.WithsupportromLGUs,NGOs,media,andotherorganizations,DENR,PhilippineInormationAgency(PIA),DepartmentoEducation(DepEd),CommissiononHigherEducation(CHED),andstate-ownedandprivateuniversitiesandcollegesshallormulateandimplementanationwideprogramorasustainedpublicinormationandadvocacycampaignororestandnaturalresourcesconservationandsustainableorestdevelopmentandmanagement.

TeDepEdshallincludesubjectsonenvironment,orestandnaturalresourcesinthecurriculaorelementaryandhighschooleducation.TeCHEDshalllikewiseincludemandatoryecologyand

environmentcoursesinthegeneraleducationcurricula(Section86).

b.Formal orestry, agroorestry andenironmental education.TeCHED,incollaborationwiththeDENR,theProessionalRegulationsCommission(PRC),relatededucationnetworks,andthedulyaccreditednationalproessionalorestersorganizationshallactivelypursuetherationalizationoormalorestryeducationbyassigninghigherweightsonnon-timberextractionsubjectssuchasnaturalresource

management,biodiversityconservation,wildlieconservationandmanagement,andcommunitydevelopment.Telicensureexamshallrequire

minimumunitsonorestrestoration-relatedsubjectsandtheestablishmentocentersoexcellenceinorestryandenvironmentaleducation(Section87).

c.Continuing education on orestry.TePRCBoardoExaminersorForestersandtheCivilServiceCommission(CSC)shallprovidethe

guidelinesoranon-ormalprogramincontinuingeducationinorestry.Incooperationwithacademicinstitutions,theDepartmentshalldeveloptheinrastructurestoinstitutionalizenon-ormalcontinuingeducationortheorestrysector(Section88).

d.raining centers. IncoordinationwithESDA,DepEd,CHEDandStateUniversitiesandColleges(SUCs)andotherrelevantinstitutions,stakeholdersandlocalcommunities,theDepartmentshallestablishandinstitutionalizeanetworkotrainingcentersinstrategicpartsothecountrytoprovideregularandup-to-datetrainingonthevariousaspectsosustainableorestmanagementandrestorationtoorestguards,LGUs,NGOs,localcommunities,andindigenouspeoples(Section89).

13. Where will the unding come rom?TeamountnecessarytoinitiallyimplementtheprovisionsothisActshallbechargedagainsttheappropriationsotheDENRinthecurrentGeneralAppropriationsAct.AshareromtheVAonoilandnaturalgas,emissiontestingtax,foodcontroltax,roaduserstax,andtheEPIRAenvironmentundshallalsobeappropriatedtoundprovisionsinthisAct.OthersumsshallthereaterbeincludedintheannualGeneralAppropriationsAct.

Teundingorlocalgovernmentunitsshallbetakenromtheirinternalrevenueallotment(IRA)andothersourcesoincome,includingtheincomederivedromsharesromthedierentmodesoagreement(Section121).

a.Local goernment units.i.TeLGUsComprehensie Land Use Plansshallundthepreparationandimplementationotheorestlanduseandwatershedcontinuummanagementplan.(Section13).

ii.TeLGUshallallotunds or restoration,eitherbyitsownorthroughpermit,license,oragreementinprotectionorestlands(Section42).

iii.TeLGUorDepartmentshallurnishunds

to reorest olunteered priate landsinaco-productionagreement(Section49).


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iv.TeLGUwilladministeraForestConseration and Deelopment Fund(FCDF)ororestprotection,restorationandmanagement,includingtheoperationsothemunicipalorestmanagementboards,rehabilitationandpreservationowatershedareas,community-basedorestmanagement

programs,andinormationandeducationalcampaigns,aswellasscholarshipprograms,policyresearchanddevelopment.

Atleastseventypercent(70%)otheorestchargesandgovernmentshareinallproductsremovedromtheorestlands,rentals,proceedsromsalesoconscatedorestproductsincludingconveyances,nesandpenalties,andadministrativeeescollectedshallbesetasideorthebuildupotheFCDF.Teundmayalsobeaugmentedbydomesticandoreigngrants,donations,andendowmentsromvarioussources(Section76).

v.Eachcityandmunicipalityshallal locateundsortheplanting,careandmaintenanceo treesor perennial shrubs in greenbelts or greenspacessuchasstreetsidesandcenterislands,amongothers(Section78).

b.Department o Enironment and NaturalResources.i.TeDepartmentshallreasonablycompensatepeopleorreorestationand/ormanagement

activitiesinprotectionorestlandsandextendthenecessaryassistance(Section50).

ii.CongressshallallocateundstoDENRorthecoordinationoacampaigntopromotecommunityecologicalawareness,includingthepreparationoinormationalandeducational

materials(Section86).

c.Subdiision owners.Teyshallprovidetheundsortheestablishmentotreeparks(Section78).

d.Department o Public Works and Highways.TeDPWHshallundtheplantingandmaintenanceoappropriatetreesalongtheroad/highwayorirrigationcanalsaslandscapedareas(Section78).

e.Department o Enironment and NaturalResources, Department o Science andechnology, Commission on Higher Education,and State Uniersities and Colleges.TeDENR,DOS,CHED,andSUCsshalleachprovideundstoimplementresearchandtechnologydevelopmentplansandtranserprograms(Section85).

.Congress.TeSenateandHouseoRepresentativesshallprovideDENRwithundsorthedemarcationanddelimitationolandclassicationlines.TeyshallalsoprovideundsortheCongressionalOversightCommittee(Section9and119).


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RepublicothePhilippinesHOUSEOFREPRESENAIVES

Diliman,QuezonCity

FIFEENH CONGRESSFirstRegularSession

HOUSE BILL NO.3485

Introducedby:HONORABLE EDDY BRAWNER BAGUILA

AN AC O PROEC, CONSERvE, UILIzE, DEvELOP AND SUSAINABLY MANAGEFORES RESOURCES AND FOR OHER PURPOSES

EXPLANAORY NOE

Tisbillwhichseekstoprotect,conserve,utilize,developandsustainablemanageorestresourcesinthecountrymandatesthedevelopmentandadoptionoasustainableorestmanagementstrategytomanageorestlands.Tisgoalcanbeachievedonlyithereisachangeinparadigmastowhataorestisor.

Foryears,Philippinelawsonorestsocusedontheorestasaresourceorutilizationandexploitation.Suchanoutdatedconceptneedsrevamping.TereisoverwhelmingevidencethatorestsmaintainenvironmentalsystemsthatareessentialorlieonEarth.Teyinfuenceweatherbycontrollingrainallandevaporationowaterromsoil.Teyhelpstabilizetheworld'sclimatebystoringlargeamountsocarbonthatwouldotherwisecontributetoclimatechange.Teyprovideuswithcleanwaterandair,helpsminimizetheimpactsofoodsandpreventerosionandsedimentation.

Forestsarehometoindigenousculturalcommunities(ICCs)andindigenouspeoples(IPs).TewayolieotheseICCs/IPsisinextricablyintertwinedwiththeorest.Withouttheorest,theylosetheirculturalheritage.

Forestsalsohostavarietyoanimalandplantspeciesendemictothecountry.Inotherwords,orestsareextremelyvaluableinthemselves.Teircontinuedexistence,andnotjusttheirutilizationandexploitation,shouldbeemphasized.

Withthisparadigmshit,thereasonsorhasteningthepassageothisbillbecomemoreapparent.Itisnolongerasimplematteropromotinglandusepracticesthatexpandtheorestresourcebaseandpromoteoodproductionactivities.Itisaraceagainsttime.NotactingastenoughcouldleadtolostopportunitiesinmitigatingglobalwarmingandpreventingthelossotheculturalheritageoICCsandIPsandbiodiversityresourcesuniquetoPhilippineorests-andworse,lossolives.Anydelaymayprovedisastrous,andirreversible.

Ourpriorityistoensurethatorestsareresponsiblyandproperlymanagedusingecologically-soundscienceandsupportedbyastrongandsustainedrameworkorganization.Weneedtorationalizeaorestlanduse

policyandplanoutacomprehensiveanddenitiveorestmanagementprogramtoensurethatthenextgenerationswillbeabletobenetromorestresourcesandservices.

Wealsoneedtoensurethatorestmanagementwouldbetrulyparticipatoryandequitable.Localgovernmentunitsshouldbeempoweredtotaketheleadinorestmanagementandmustensurethatcommunitiesparticipateandbenetinthesustainablemanagementoorestsandtheirresourcesandthattherightsoindigenouspeoplesmustbeupheld.

Lastly,weneedtoensurethatorestmanagementeortswillbesustainablethemselvesthrougheducation.EveryFilipinochildshouldlearntovalueandcareorourorestswiththeunderstandingthatcaringorthemensuresthesurvivaloall.

Forthispurpose,theimmediatepassageothisbillisearnestlyrequested.

EDDYBRAWNERBAGUILA


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CONGRESSOFHEPHILIPPINESFIFEENHCONGRESS First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENAIvES

H.B.No.3485

Introducedby:HONORABLE EDDY BRAWNER BAGUILA

AN AC O PROEC, CONSERvE, UILIzE, DEvELOP AND SUSAINABLYMANAGE FORES RESOURCES AND FOR OHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House o Representatives o the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECION 1. Shortitle.TisActshallbeknownastheForestResourcesActo2010.

SECION 2. Scope and Coverage.TeprovisionsothisActshallapplytoalllandsothepublicdomainclassiedasneededororestrypurposes,allorestlands,allorestresourcesoundinuntitledagriculturallandsandinprivatelands: Provided,TatallorestsandorestresourcesoundinprotectedareasestablishedundertheNationalIntegratedProtectedAreasSystem(NIPAS)shallbesustainablymanagedanddevelopedollowingtheprovisionsoRepublicActNo.7586ortheNIPASActo1992:Provided urther,Tattherightsoindigenousculturalcommunitiesorindigenouspeoplestotheirancestraldomainsshallberespected.

AllorestlandsandorestresourcesthereinundertheadministrativejurisdictionotheAutonomousRegionoMuslimMindanao(ARMM)shallbemanaged,developedandconservedinaccordancewiththeRegionalSustainableForestManagementActo2003otheARMM.

SECION 3. Basic Policies.a. PursuanttotheprovisionsotheConstitutiontopromotethegeneralwelareandsocialjusticeinallphasesonationaldevelopment,toprotectandadvancetherightotheFilipinopeopletoabalancedandhealthulecologyinaccordwiththerhythmandharmonyonature,andtoconserveanddevelopthepatrimonyothenation,theStateherebyadoptstheollowingpoliciesrelativetothemanagement,developmentandconservationoorestsandtheresourcestherein:i. Withinve(5)yearsromthepassageothisAct,thespeciclimitsoorestlandsshall

bexedanddemarcatedandthereater,shallnotbealteredexceptthroughanActoCongress;TeCongressshall,assoonaspossible,alsodetermine,bylaw,thespecic

limitsoorestlandsandnationalparks,markingclearlytheirboundariesontheground.Tereater,suchorestlandsandnationalparksshallbeconservedandmaynotbeincreasednordiminished,exceptbylaw.TeCongressshallprovideorsuchperiodasitmaydetermine,measurestoprohibitlogginginendangeredorestsandwatershedareas;

ii. Teuseandconservationoorestresourcesshallbearasocial,ecological,biologicalandeconomicunctions,responsibility,andaccountabilitytopromotethecommongoodothepresentanduturegenerations;

iii. Teguidingprincipleinthesustainableandintegratedmanagement,development,andconservationoorestresourcesshallbeocusingontheseresourcesandonthepeoplewhomanage,conserve,andbenetromthem;

iv. Biodiversityprotectionandconservationowildlieresourcesandtheirhabitats,consistentwithRepublicActNo.9147shallbeaparamountconsiderationinorest

management.v. GeneticallyEngineered(GE)andtransgenictreesposethegravestodangerstoorestecosystemsandviolatetheConventiononBiologicalDiversity.


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b. Testateshallprotecttherightsoindigenousculturalcommunities/indigenouspeoplestotheirancestraldomainstoensuretheireconomicandsocialandculturalwell-beingandshallrecognizetheapplicabilityocustomarylawsingoverningpropertyrightsorrelationsindeterminingtheownershipandextentoancestraldomains;

c. TeStateshallpromotesocialjusticeinallphasesonationaldevelopment;

d.TeStateshallencouragenon-governmental,community-based,orsectoralorganizationsthatpromotethewelareothenation;

e. TeStateshallensuretheautonomyolocalgovernments;and,

. TeStateshallpursueanindependentoreignpolicy.Initsrelationswithotherstates,theparamountconsiderationshallbenationalsovereignty,territorialintegrity,nationalinterest,andtherighttosel-determination.

Incarryingouttheabovepolicies,theollowingstrategiesshallbepursued:1. Tewatershedcontinuumasthebasic

orestlandmanagementunit-Forestlandsshallbemanaged,developedandconservedutilizingwatershedcontinuumasthebasicmanagementunitandundertheprinciplesosustainableandmultiple-usemanagement,includingconservationobiologicaldiversity;

2. Multi-sectoralparticipation-Teparticipationoalldirectandindirect,especiallylocal,stakeholdersinsustainableorestlandconservation,management,anddevelopmentshallbemandatory.Equitablesharingothebenetsderivedromorestlandsandtheresourcesthereinshallbeensuredatalltimes;

3. Community-basedorestmanagement(CBFM)asaprincipalstrategy-Vestingaccessrightsandresponsibilitiestoorestresidentororest-dependentamilies,

localcommunities,andindigenouspeoplestoundertakethemanagementanddevelopmentoappropriateorestlandresourcesonasustainablebasisshallhaveprecedenceoverotherstrategies;

4. Protectionoorestsandnaturalresourcesasapriorityconcern-Teprotectionoorestsandthenaturalresourcesthereinshallbegivenpriorityconcerninordertoensureenvironmentalstability,conservebiologicaldiversity,improveecosystemunctionsandservices,andprovidelong-termecological

andeconomicbenets;5. Reorestationasaprioritymeasure-Reorestationshallbeundertakenasa

prioritymeasuretorestoretheecosystemunctionsandservicesoorestsaswellasimprovetheeconomicandecologicalbenetsolocalcommunitiesconcerned;

6. Securityotenureostakeholders-Pursuanttotheprinciplesosustainableandmulti-useorestmanagementandequitable

accesstoorestresources,asecuredtenureshallbeguaranteedtostakeholdersconcerned;and

7. ProessionalisminorestserviceAdynamic,proessionalandpeople-orientedorestservicestronglyadheringtoconservationprinciplesshallbeestablishedandullysupportedbytheState.

SECION 4. Denition o erms.AsusedinthisAct,theollowingtermsshallbedenedasollows:

a. Agroorestryreerstoastrategyorthesustainablemanagementolandwhichincreasestheiroverallproductivitybyproperlycombiningagriculturalcropsand/orlivestockwithorestcropssimultaneouslyorsequentiallythroughtheapplicationomanagementpracticeswhicharecompatiblewiththelocalclimate,topography,slope,soil,aswellastheculturalpatternsorcustomarylawsothelocalcommunities;

b. AgriculturallandsreerstoAlienableandDisposable(A&D)landsothepublicdomainwhichhavebeendelimited,classiedanddeclaredassuch,pursuanttotheprovisionsoCommonwealthActNo.141,asamended,otherwiseknownasthePublicLandAct;

c. AncestralDomainsreerstoallareasgenerallybelongingtoindigenousculturalcommunities/indigenouspeoples(ICCs/IPs)comprisinglands,inlandwaters,coastalareas,andnaturalresourcestherein,heldunderaclaimoownership,occupiedorpossessedbyICCs/IPs,bythemselvesorthroughtheirancestors,communallyorindividuallysincetimeimmemorial,continuouslytothepresent

exceptwheninterruptedbywar,orcemajeureordisplacementbyorce,deceit,stealthorasaconsequenceogovernmentprojectsoranyothervoluntarydealingsenteredintobygovernmentandprivateindividuals/corporations,andwhicharenecessarytoensuretheireconomic,socialandculturalwelare.Itshallincludeancestrallands,orests,pasture,residential,agricultural,andotherlandsindividuallyownedwhetheralienableanddisposableorotherwise,huntinggrounds,burialgrounds,worshipareas,bodiesowater,mineralandothernaturalresources,andlandswhichmay

nolongerbeexclusivelyoccupiedbyICCs/IPsbutromwhichtheytraditionallyhadaccesstoortheirsubsistenceandtraditionalactivities,


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particularlythehomerangesoICCs/IPswhoarestillnomadicand/orshitingcultivators;

d. AncestralLandsreerstolandoccupied,possessedandutilizedbyindividuals,amiliesandclanswhoaremembersotheICCs/IPssincetimeimmemorial,bythemselvesorthroughtheirpredecessors-in-interest,under

claimsoindividualortraditionalgroupownership,continuously,tothepresentexceptwheninterruptedbywar,orcemajeureordisplacementbyorce,deceit,stealth,orasaconsequenceogovernmentprojectsandothervoluntarydealingsenteredintobygovernmentandprivateindividuals/corporations,including,butnotlimitedto,residentiallots,riceterracesorpaddies,privateorests,swiddenarmsandtreelots;

e. AssistedNaturalRegenerationorANRcoversanysetoactivitiesthatenhancethenaturalprocessesoorestregeneration.Teseincludepromotingthenaturalestablishmentandsubsequentgrowthoindigenousoresttrees,whilstpreventinganyactorsthatmightharmthem,e.g.competitionromweeds,browsingbycattle,reetc.ANRreliesonexistingnaturalprocesses;itrequireslesslaborinputthantreeplantingandisthereoreaverycheapwaytorestoreorestecosystems.ANRisappropriatewhereverthenaturalprocessesoorestregenerationare,tosomeextent,alreadyhappening.Atleastewseedtrees/matureseed-bearingrainoresttreesshouldexistnearbytoprovideseedraininthearea.Seed-dispersinganimalsshouldremaincommoninthevicinity.SiteswhichalreadysupportahighdensityotreesaplingsandsproutingtreestumpsareparticularlysuitedtoANR.

. Biologicaldiversityorbiodiversityreerstothevariabilityandvarietyamonglivingorganismsincluding,inter alia, terrestrial,marineandotheraquaticecosystemsandtheecologicalcomplexesowhichtheyarepart.Tisincludesdiversity

withinthespecies(geneticdiversity),betweenspecies(speciesdiversity),andamongecosystems(ecosystemdiversity);

g. Climatechangereerstoachangeinclimatethatcanbeidentiedbychangesinthemeanand/orvariabilityoitspropertiesandthatpersistsoranextendedperiodtypicallydecadesorlonger,whetherduetonaturalvariabilityorasaresultohumanactivity;

h. Commercialloggingreerstothecuttingorellingotreesorthepurposeodisposingthecutorelledlogsormonetaryprotsbeyond

survivalandsubsistence;i. Communalorestreerstoatractoorestlandsetasideandestablishedorandunderthe

protection,administration,andmanagementoacity,municipality,orbarangayasasourceowoodmaterialoruel,shelter,andmanuacturedproducts;assourceowaterorthecommunity;andasanareaorecotourismand/orenvironmentalprotectionorsocio-economicprojectsolocalgovernmentunitsconsistent

withthepoliciesandobjectivesothisActandprinciplesosustainabledevelopment;

j. Community-BasedForestManagementStrategyreerstothestrategytoimprovethewell-beingoorestdependentcommunities,andatthesametimeensuresustainablemanagement,rehabilitationandprotectionoorestlandsandtheresourcestherein,throughtheactiveparticipationovariousstakeholders;

k. Conservationreerstotheplannedprotectionandmanagementoorests,wildlieandotherorestresourcessoastopreventwasteandensureutureuse;

l. Conveyancereerstoanyvehicle,vessel,deviceoranimalusedingatheringand/ortransportingorestproducts;

m.Co-managementagreementreerstoanagreemententeredintobytheDENRandalocalgovernmentunit/stoprotect,restore,developormanageorestlands,includingmangrovesanditsorestresources,withinthegeographicjurisdictionosuchlocalgovernmentunit/sconsistentwiththeprovisionsothisAct;

n. Co-productionagreementreerstoanagreemententeredintobyandbetweenaqualiedpersonandthegovernment,inaccordwiththe1987Constitution,ortheormertodevelop,utilize,andmanage,consistentwiththeprinciplesosustainabledevelopment,landoraportionoaorestlandwhereinbothpartiesagreetoprovideinputsandsharetheproductsortheirequivalentcashvalue;

o. Criticalhabitatreerstoaplaceorenvironmentwherespeciesorsubspeciesnaturallyoccurorhasnaturallyestablisheditspopulationthatare

crucialtothesurvivaloaspeciesandessentialoritsconservation;p. CriticalwatershedreerstoareasdesignatedbytheSecretarypursuanttotheWildlieResourcesConservationandProtectionActandortheirabilitytosupplywaterordomestic,agricultureand/orindustrialuse;

q. Degradedorestsreerstoorestswithvaryingdegreesodisturbanceorlossostructure,unction,speciescompositionandproductivityolessthan60%orestcover;

r. Delimitationreerstotheestablishmento

permanentboundariesbetweenorestlands,nationalparks/protectedareasandagriculturallandsasaresultodemarcation;


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s. Delineationreerstotheestablishmentoboundariesbetweenorestlands,nationalparks/protectedareasandagriculturallandsasaresultoaconductositeinvestigation,reconnaissanceandeldvericationinaccordancewiththecriteriasetbytheDepartment;

t. Demarcationreerstotheestablishmento

boundariesusingvisiblemarkers,monumentsorknownnaturaleatures/landmarks,amongothers,asresultotheactualgrounddelineation;

u. Denudedorestlandsreerstoorestlandsthataredevoidooresttreecover;

v. DepartmentreerstotheDepartmentoEnvironmentandNaturalResources(DENR);

w. EnvironmentalImpactAssessmentorEIAreerstotheprocessopredictingthelikelyenvironmentalconsequencesoimplementingaprojectorundertakinganddesigningtheappropriatepreventive,mitigating,orenhancementmeasures;

x. EnvironmentalComplianceCerticateorECCreerstothedocumentissuedbytheDepartmentcertiyingthataproposedprojectorundertakingwillnotcauseasignicantnegativeimpactontheenvironment;thattheproponenthascompliedwithalltherequirementsotheEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentSystem;andthattheproponentiscommittedtoimplementitsapprovedEnvironmentManagementPlanoundintheEnvironmentalImpactStatement(EIS)ormitigationmeasuresidentiedintheInitialEnvironmentalExamination(IEE);

y. EnvironmentalImpactStatementSystemorEISSystemreerstotheorganization,administration,andproceduresthathavebeeninstitutionalizedpursuanttoPresidentialDecreeNo.1586orpurposesoassessingthesignicanceotheeectsoanyprojectorundertakingonthequalityothephysical,biological,andsocial-economicenvironmentanddesigningtheappropriatemitigatingandenhancementmeasures;

z. EnvironmentallyCriticalProjectreerstoprojectorprogramthathashighpotentialorsignicantnegativeenvironmentalimpact;

aa.Forestreerstoanecosystemoranassemblageoecosystemsdominatedbytreesandotherwoodyvegetation;acommunityoplantsandanimalsinteractingwithoneanotheranditsphysicalenvironment.Itshallconsistotreeswithoverlappingcrowno60-100%orestcover;

bb. Forestguardreerstoanypublicocerwhobythenatureohisappointmentortheunctionsothepositiontowhichheis

appointedisdelegatedbylawandregulationsorcommissionedbycompetentauthoritiestoexecute,implementorenorcetheprovisionso

thisActandotherrelatedlawsandregulations;cc.Forestproductsreerstogoodsandservicesderivedromorestsuchas,butnotlimitedto,timber,lumber,veneer,plywood,berboard,pulpwood,bark,treetop,resin,gums,woodoil,honey,beeswax,nipa,rattan,orotherorestgrowthsuchasgrass,shrubandfowering

plants,theassociatedwater,sh,game,aswellasitsscenic,historical,educational,socialandecologicalvalue;

dd.Forestresourcesreerstoallresources,whetherbiomasssuchasplantsandanimalsincludingitsby-productsandderivatives,whichcanbearawmaterial,ornon-biomasssuchassoil,water,scenery,aswellastheintangibleservicesandvaluespresentinorestlandsorinotherlandsdevotedororestpurposes;

ee.Forest/Forest-DependentCommunityreerstoagroupopeopleresidinginsideorimmediatelyadjacenttoaparticularorestlandwhoarelargelyorpartlydependentontheorestresourcesoundthereinortheirlivelihood;

.Forestlandsreerstolandsothepublicdomainclassiedasneededororestpurposes.Teyshallincludeallorestreserves,orestreservationsandallremainingunclassiedlandsothepublicdomain;

gg. Geneticengineeringreerstogeneticmodication,oraspecialormobiotechnologyinwhichasectionoDNAromoneorganismisintroducedintoanother,inwhichitdoesnotnaturallyoccur,inordertoproduceageneticallymodiedorganism(GMO)withavorablepropertiesbasedonthenewcombinationogenes.Tenewgenesinthetransgenicorganismmayberomanentirelydierenttypeoorganism,orromacloselyrelatedlineage.

hh. GeneticallymodiedorganismsorGMOsreerstoorganismsinwhichthegeneticmaterialhasbeenalteredinawaythatdoesnotoccurnaturally.GMOscanbebacteria,ungi,viruses,plantsoranimals,withtheexceptionohuman

beings;ii. Grazinglandreerstoaportionothepublicdomainwhichhasbeensetaside,inviewoitstopographyandvegetation,ortheraisingolivestock;

jj. Greenhousegasreerstoanygasthatabsorbsinraredradiationintheatmosphere.Greenhousegasesincludewatervapor,carbondioxide(CO

2),Methane(CH

4),nitrousoxide

(N2O),halogenatedfuorocarbons(HCFCs),

ozone(O3),perfuorinatedcarbons(PFCs)and

hydrofuorocarbons(HFCs);

kk.IndigenousCulturalCommunities/IndigenousPeoplesorICCs/IPsreerstoagroupopeopleorhomogenoussocietiesidentiedby


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sel-ascriptionandascriptionbyothers,whohavecontinuouslylivedasorganizedcommunityoncommunallyboundedanddenedterritory,andwhohave,underclaimsoownershipsincetimeimmemorial,occupied,possessedandutilizedsuchterritories,sharingcommonbondsolanguage,customs,traditionsandother

distinctiveculturaltraits,orwhohave,throughresistancetopolitical,socialandculturalinroadsocolonization,non-indigenousreligionsandcultures,becamehistoricallydierentiatedromthemajorityotheFilipinos.ICCs/IPsshalllikewiseincludepeoplewhoareregardedasindigenousonaccountotheirdescentromthepopulationswhichinhabitedthecountry,atthetimeoconquestorcolonization,oratthetimeoinroadsonon-indigenousreligionsandcultures,ortheestablishmentopresentstateboundaries,whoretainsomeorallotheirownsocial,economic,culturalandpoliticalinstitutions,butwhomayhavebeendisplacedromtheirtraditionaldomainsorwhomayhaveresettledoutsidetheirancestraldomains;

ll. IndustrialForestManagementAgreementorIFMAreerstoaproduction-sharingcontractenteredintobyandbetweentheDepartmentandaqualiedperson,whethernaturalorjuridical,whereintheormergrantstothelattertheexclusiverightandresponsibilitytoinvestin,develop,manage,andprotectadenedareaotheproductionorestland,includingtheestablishment,managementandutilizationoindustrialtimberorestplantation,consistentwiththeprincipleosustainabledevelopment,primarilytosupplytherawmaterialrequirementsowood-basedprocessingandenergy-relatedindustriesandwhereinbothpartiesshareinthebenetsthererom;

mm.IndustrialreePlantationorIPreerstoanytractolandplantedmainlytotimberproducingspecies,includingrubberand/ornon-timberspeciesprimarilytosupplytheraw

materialrequirementsoorest-basedindustries,energy-generatingplants,andrelatedindustries.;nn.Jointventureagreementreerstoanagreementwhereajoint-venturecompanyisorganizedbytheStateandanotherpersonorprotection,restorationandutilization,developmentandmanagementoorestlandsconsistentwiththeprescribedactivitiesallowedunderthisAct,withbothpartieshavingequityshares.Asideromearningsinequity,theStateshallbeentitledtoashareinthegrossoutput;

oo.Kainginreerstoaportionotheorestland,

whetheroccupiedornot,whichissubjectedtoshitingand/orpermanentslash-and-burncultivationhavinglittleornoprovisionto

preventsoilerosion;pp.Kainginmakingreerstoaprocessemployedtoestablishakaingin;

qq.KeyBiodiversityAreasreerstoplacesointernationalimportanceortheconservationobiodiversity;

rr.MasterPlanorForestryDevelopmentreers

tothetwenty-ve(25)yearstrategicprogramotheForestrySectorenvisionedtoguideitslongtermdevelopment.Tisprogramincludes:(a)policyandinstitutionaldevelopment;(b)restorationandrehabilitationc)watershedandorestrydevelopment;(d)livelihoodandpovertyreduction;and(e)timber/non-timberindustrydevelopment;

ss.NationalParkreerstothelandopublicdomainclassiedassuchinthe1987PhilippineConstitutionwhichincludesallareasundertheNationalIntegratedProtectedAreasSystem(NIPAS)pursuanttoRA7586,primarilysetasideanddesignatedortheconservationonativeplantsandanimals,theirassociatedhabitatsandculturaldiversity;

tt.Non-governmentorganizationorNGOreerstoanon-stock,non-prot,andvoluntaryorganization;

uu.Non-timberbasedindustriesreerstovariousindustriesthataredependentonrawmaterialsorproductsderivedromorestssuchas,butnotlimitedto,rattan,bamboo,vines,latex,resins,saps,essences,ruits,fowersorwildforaandauna;

vv.Non-timberchargesreerstothelevyimposedandcollectedbygovernmentonvariousindustriesthataredependentonrawmaterialsorproductsderivedromorestssuchas,butarenotlimitedto,rattan,bamboo,vines,latex,resins,saps,essences,ruits,fowersorwildforaandauna,aswellecologicalandaestheticservices;

ww.Non-timberorestproductsreerstoallproductsgatheredromtheorestthatarenottimber,whichinclude,butarenotlimitedto,

rattan,bamboo,vine,herb,exudates,gum,resin,beeswax,gutapercha,andalmacigaresin;xx.Permitreerstoashort-termprivilegeorauthoritygrantedbytheStatetoapersontoutilizeanylimitedorestresourceorundertakealimitedactivitywithinanyorestlandwithoutanyrightooccupation,possession,andownershiptherein;

yy.Personreerstoanaturalorjuridicalperson,includinglocalorestcommunitiesand/orindigenouspeoplesorganizedinaccordancewithlaworcustom;

zz.Plantationorestryreerstotheplantingooneortwospeciesorthesolepurposeoharvesting;aaa.Primaryorestreerstoorestwhichhave


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neverbeensubjecttohumandisturbanceorhasbeensolittleaectedbyhunting,gatheringandtreecuttingthatitsnaturalstructure,unctionanddynamicshavenotundergoneanychangesthatexceedtheelasticcapacityotheecosystem;

bbb.ProcessingplantorProcessingmillreerstoanymechanicalset-up,device,machineor

combinationomachinesusedortheconversionologsandotherorestrawmaterialsintolumber,berboard,pulp,paperorothernishedwoodproducts;

ccc. ProductionorestlandsreerstotheorestlandsdenedunderSec.8(b)othisAct;

ddd.ProductionsharingagreementreerstoanagreementwhereintheStategrantsaperson/s,whoprovidesallthenecessarynancing,technology,managementandpersonnel,theexclusiverighttoconductorestrydevelopmentactivitieswithinbutnottitleover,thecontractareaandsharesintheproductionwhetherinkindorinvalueasowneroorestproducttherein;

eee.ProtectedAreasreerstoidentiedportionsolandandwatersetasidebyreasonotheiruniquephysicalandbiologicalsignicance,managedtoenhancebiologicaldiversityandprotectedagainstdestructivehumanexploitation.TeyshallconstitutetheareasestablishedundertheNationalIntegratedProtectedAreasSystem(NIPAS)pursuanttoRA7586andshallallundertheNationalParkclassicationopublicdomain;

.ProtectionorestlandsreerstotheorestlandsdenedunderSec.8(a)othisAct;

ggg.Reorestationreerstoalllanduse activitiesdirectedtowardsrestoration,establishmentandsustainedmanagementusingnativespeciesodiversiedvegetationondenuded,degradedand/ormarginallands,includingbutnotlimitedtotheplantingandtendingotimber,orchardandmulti-usetrees;

hhh.Reservationreerstoanareaothepublic

domainreservedbylaworaspecicpurpose;iii.Restorationreerstothebringingbackotheorestlandtoitsoriginalstateintermsospeciescomposition,structure,unctionandproductivity;

jjj.Restorationzonesreerstotheareawhererestorationactivitiesareconductedandwheretheoriginalvegetationshallberestored;

kkk.Roadreerstobulldozedlandwhichisaccessiblebyatleastatwo-wheelmotorizedvehicle;

lll.Rotationreerstothenumberoyearsbetweentheinitialestablishmentoaplantationandthe

timewhenitisconsideredreadyorharvesting;mmm.Secondaryorestreerstoaormerorestthatwasloggedoverandischaracterizedby

residuals;nnn.SecretaryreerstotheSecretaryotheDENR;

ooo.Semi-nishedwoodproductsreerstowoodproductsrequiringnalstagesomanuactureand/orassemblysuchas,butnotlimitedto,windowcomponents,tabletops,veneer,tongue

andgrooveplanks,stepsorstairs,andothersimilarproducts;

ppp.Silviculturalpracticesreerstoanyactionbymantourtherimproveorenhancethestandgrowthasawholeorthesingletreeorutureharvestincludingassistednaturalregenerationandtreesurgery,amongothers;

qqq.Subdivisionreerstoatractorparcelolandpartitionedintoindividuallots,withorwithoutimprovementsthereon,primarilyorresidentialpurposes;

rrr.Sustainabledevelopmentreerstodevelopmentthatmeetstheneedsothepresentwithoutcompromisingtheabilityotheuturegenerationstomeettheirownneeds;

sss.SustainableorestmanagementorSFMreerstotheprocessomanagingaoresttoachieveoneormoreclearlyspeciedobjectivesomanagementwithregardtoproductionocontinuousfowodesiredorestproductsandserviceswithoutunduereductionoitsinherentvaluesandutureproductivityandwithoutundesirableeectsonthephysicalandsocialenvironment;

ttt.enurereerstotheguaranteedpeaceulpossessionanduseospecicorestlandareaandspecicresourcesoundtherein,coveredbyanagreement,contract,orgrantwhichcannotbealteredorabrogatedwithoutdueprocess;

uuu.imber-basedindustriesreerstoindustriesthataredependentonwoodastheprincipalrawmaterialincludingbutnotlimitedtosawmilling,pulpandpapermaking,andplywoodandveneermanuacturingortheupstreamwood-basedindustries,aswellasthesecondaryandtertiary

woodprocessingordownstreamindustrysuchasmoldingsandurnituremanuacturing;vvv. imberchargesreerstothelevyimposedandcollectedbythegovernmentontimberproductscut,harvested,orgatheredromproductionorestlandsandromalienableanddisposable(A&D)landsinaccordancewithRepublicActNo.7161;

www.imberLicenseAgreementorLAreerstoaprivilegegrantedbytheStatetoapersontoutilizeorestresourceswithinanareawiththerightopossessionandoccupationthereotothe

exclusionoothersexceptthegovernment,butwiththecorrespondingobligationtodevelop,protect,andrehabilitatethesameinaccordance


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withthetermsandconditionssetorthinthesaidagreement;

xxx.imberplantationreerstoatreestandestablishedbyplantingand/orseeding.Testandiseitherointroducedspecies(allplantedstands),oranintensivelymanagedstandoanyindigenousspecies,whichmeetsalltheollowing

criteria:oneortwospeciesatplantation,even-agedclass,andregularspacingortheprimarypurposeoharvestingtimberoranyoitsby-product;

yyy. ransgenicreerstoageneticallymodiedorganism(GMO)orgeneticallyengineeredorganism(GEO)whosegeneticmaterialhasbeenalteredusinggeneticengineeringtechniques.Itistheprocessointroducinganexogenousgeneintoalivingorganismsothattheorganismwillexhibitanewpropertyandtransmitthatpropertytoitsospring;

zzz.WatershedContinuumreerstoanareaconsistingothewatershedanditsdivideincludingitsconnectionromtheheadwaterstotheree;

aaaa.WatershedContinuumManagementorWCMreerstoamanagementsystemthatwillprovidetheoptimumsocial,cultural,economicandenvironmentalbenetstothegreatestnumberopeople,particularlythoselivingin,adjacentto,ordownstreamo,individual

watershedareas,whilemaintainingthebiologicalandculturalheritageothecountry.Itistheholisticmultipleuseandsustainablemanagementoalltheresourceswithinaspatialunitknownasthewatershed.TeWatershedContinuumManagementisbasedontheollowingguidingprinciples:(1)Ecologicalsustainability;(2)

Socialandculturalsustainability;(3)Economicsustainability;and(4)Institutionalsustainability;

bbbb.WatershedReservation''reerstoaorestlandreservationestablishedtoprotectorimprovetheconditionsowateryieldthereoorreducesedimentation;

cccc.Wildliereerstowildormsandvarietiesoforaandauna,inalldevelopmentalstages;and

dddd.Woodlotsreerstoatrackorplotolandplantedwithastgrowingtreespeciesbasicallyoruelwoodpurposes.WoodlotisthemajorcomponentinRotationalWoodlotAgroorestrySystemswhichaimtosatisyhouseandregionaluelwooddemandwhilereducingharvestingpressureonlocalorests.RotationalWoodlotAgroorestrySystemsincludetheollowingcomponents:(1)Establishment,whichincludestreeandcropintercropping;(2)Fallow,whichpertainstobuildupowoodandsoilertility;and(3)Post-allow,whichpertainstowoodharvestingandsequentialcropping.


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CHAPER IIClassifcation o Permanent Forestlands

SECION 5. Permanent Forestlands.Allorestlandscurrentlyclassiedassuch.

SECION 6. Instruments within Permanent Forestlands.itles,settlements,permits,lease,and/oragreementswithincriticalhabitats,criticalwatershedareas,protectedareas,importantbiodiversityareas(IBAs),andkeybiodiversityareas(KBAs),shallbereviewed,anditslegalitybedetermined.Allerroneoustitles,settlements,permits,leasesand/oragreementsornon-compliancetoandinviolationoprovisionsoagreementsshalldulybecancelledorrevoked;Provided,TattheapplicableprovisionsotheIndigenousPeoplesRightsActo1997(IPRA)shallberespected.TeLGU,uponendorsementromtheForestManagementBoardormotu proprio,shallrecommendtotheSecretaryrevocationotheseinstruments.TeSecretary,uponrecommendationormotu propriorevokessuchinstrument.

SECION 7. Additional Areas to be Included as Permanent ForestlandsTeollowinglandsareneededorenvironmentalprotectionandorestrypurposesandshallnotthereorebeclassiedasagriculturallandsororotherlanduse:

a. Isolatedpatchesoorest,regardlessosizeoarea,withrockyterrainorwhichprotectaspringorcommunaluse;

b. Allmangrovesandswamplandsincludingtwenty-meterwidestripsthereoacingoceans,lakesandotherbodiesowaternotyetclassiedasalienableanddisposablelands;

c. Ridgetopsandplateausregardlessosizeoundwithinorsurroundedwhollyorpartiallybyorestlandswhereheadwatersemanate;

d.wenty-meterwidestripsolandromtheedgeothenormalhighwaterlineoriversandstreamswithchannelsoatleastve(5)meterswidewhicharenotyetclassiedasalienableanddisposable;

e. Areasneededorotherpurposesopublicinterestsuchasresearchorexperimentalpurposesandothers;and

. Areasconsideredenvironmentallycriticalbecauseotheirvulnerabilitytodamageromlandslides,volcaniceruptions,andothernaturalcauses.

Ownerswhohaveacquiredvestedrightsoverlandsenumeratedabovearerequiredtoimplementsoilandwaterconservationmeasures,incoordinationwiththeDepartmentandtheappropriatelocalgovernmentunit.AnEnvironmentalComplianceCerticate(ECC)shallberequiredintheseenvironmentallycriticalareasinaccordancewithexistinglaw:Provided,TattheDepartment,incoordinationwiththeconcernedlocalgovernmentunit,shallimmediatelytakethenecessarystepstoexpropriatethepropertyconcerned,toimposethenecessarynes,penaltiesandcostsorehabilitationandimplementationotherequiredsoilandwaterconservationmeasures,andto

canceland/oramendanytitleusedthereonorimposenesorwillbesubjecttocancellationorrevocationunderanyotheollowingconditions:a. Failureotheowner,aterduenotice,toimplementappropriatesoilandwaterconservation;

b. Failureotheowner/stocomplywithECCrequirementswhenrequired;c. Teissuanceotitlesoversuchareaswasaccomplishedthroughraud,deceit,misrepresentationsorotheranomalies;or

d.Whenpublicinterestsorequires.

Provided urther, Tat the concerned LGUsmay recommend to the DENR to le expropriationproceedingsgiventheconditionsenumeratedinthisprovision.

SECION 8. Sub-Classication o the Permanent Forestlands.Tepermanentorestlandsshallbesub-classiedintotheollowingcategoriesaccordingtoprimaryuse:a. Protection orestlandsshallconsistoallnaturalandrestoredorestsincludingareas


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identiedaskeybiodiversityareas,criticalhabitats,reshwater,swamps,andmarshes,allareasalongthebankoriversandstreams,andtheshoresotheseasandlakesthroughouttheirentirelengthandwithinazoneothree(3)metersinurbanareas,twenty(20)metersinagriculturalareas,andorty(40)metersinorest

areas,alongtheirmarginswhicharesubjecttotheeasementopublicuseintheinterestorecreation,navigation,foatage,shingandsalvageshallalsobesub-classiedasprotectionorestlands.Allextractiveindustriessuchas,butnotlimitedto,loggingandminingarebannedintheseprotectionorestlands;Provided,TattheprovisionsotheIPRAshallberespected;

b. Production orestlandsshallbeallorestlandsnotsub-classiedasprotectionorestlandsdenedinthisSection,andshallbedevotedtotheproductionotimberand/ornon-orestproductsortheestablishmentoindustrialtreeplantations,treearms,communalorests,agroorestry,grazing,orasmultiple-useorestsincludingwater-basedenergyareassuchasbutnotlimitedtohydroandgeothermalreservations:Provided,Tattheyshallbemanaged,developed,andutilizedinaccordancewithaLGU-approvedmanagementplanconsistentwiththeprescribedForestryMasterPlanandbasedonsustainableorestmanagementprinciples: Provided,urther,Tatthedepartmentmaychangethesub-classicationospecicareasoproductionorestlandsintoprotectionareasandrecommendtoCongresstheirestablishmentaspartothe

integratedprotectedareasystemsinaccordancewiththeNIPASAct,orascriticalhabitatundertheWildlieResourcesConservationandProtectionAct:Provided fnally,Tatancestraldomainslocatedwithinprotectionandproductionorestsshallbegovernedbycustomarylaws;

c.Restoration areasareareastobedesignatedinthemanagementplanassuch.Designationoarestorationareaiscompulsoryinallorestmanagementplans.

SECION 9. Demarcation and delimitation.UponapprovalothisAct,theCongressshallprovideundsortheDepartmenttodemarcateonthegroundtheactuallandclassicationlines:Provided,TattheSecretary,uponcompletionotheactualassessmentothedemarcatedlandclassicationlines,shallrecommendtoCongressthedelimitationotheorestlandsoundtobestillsuitableandcapableoritspurpose,Provided urther,TattheDepartmentshallsubmitanannualaccomplishmentreportandthatwithinve(5)years,hascausedthecompletedemarcationanddelimitationolandclassicationlines.

SECION 10. Availability o records.Recordspertainingtothespeciclimitsoorestlandsshallbemadeavailabletothepublicuponrequest.Moreover,theDepartmentshallurnishallprovincial,municipalandcitygovernmentcopiesothemapsopermanentorestlandslocatedwithintheirrespectiveterritorialjurisdictions.


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CHAPER IIIAdministration and Management o Forestlandsand Its Resources

SECION 11. Jurisdiction and control o orestlands.TeDepartmentshallbetheprimaryagencyresponsibleortheconservation,restorationandthesustainableutilizationoorestlandsandtheunclassiedlandsothepublicdomain.ItshallormulateanationalorestrymasterplanandthepoliciespromulgatedinthisAct.IncoordinationwithLGUsandothergovernmentagencies,itshallensurethatorestlandsandunclassiedlandsothepublicdomainaremanaged,conserved,developed,utilizedandprotectedconsistentwiththepoliciespromulgatedinthisAct;Provided,thatthemanagementplanorprotectedareasshallbepreparedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsotheNIPASAct,theWildlieResourcesAct,theLocalGovernmentCode,andtheIPRA,andotherrelevantlawsandinternationalcovenants,aswellasotherpertinentlaws;Provided urther,TatcertainunctionsandpowersotheDepartmentmaybedevolvedtothelocalgovernmentunits.

SECION 12. Co-Management Agreement or the Devolution o Functions.TeDepartment,theDepartmentoInteriorandLocalGovernment,andtheconcernedLGUsshallexecuteaco-managementagreement,whichshallcontaintheprogramandschedulebywhichunctionsshallbestrategicallydevolved,providingorcapacity-buildingandempowermentmechanisms.

SECION 13. Powers andResponsibilities o the LGUs.PursuanttothepertinentprovisionsoRepublicAct.No.7160ortheLocalGovernmentCode,LGUsshallsharetheresponsibilityinthesustainablemanagementandutilizationoorestresourceswithintheirterritorialjurisdictionincludingthoseassignedbylawtoothergovernmentagencies.TeLGUandtheDepartmentshalljointlyundertakethepreparationandimplementationoorestlanduseandwatershedcontinuummanagementplans,consistentwiththeAncestralDomainSustainableDevelopmentandProtectionPlan(ADSDPP)andinconsultationwithothergovernmentagencies,localcommunities,non-governmentorganizationsandothersectors.PartnershipswithLGUsandlocalcommunitiesarehighlyencouraged.SuchplansshallbeullyundedandmadeanintegralcomponentotheLGUsComprehensiveLandUsePlan(CLUP). Tedevolvedunctionsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,theollowing:

a) Implementationocommunity-basedorestryprojects,e.g.Community-basedForestManagementAgreements;

b) Establishmentoreorestationprojectsexceptinprotectedareasandcriticalwatersheds;c) Completedamilyandcontractreorestationprojects;d) ForestLandManagementAgreements;e) CommunityForestryProjects; ) ManagementandcontroloorestslocatedintheLGUsjurisdiction;

g) Management,protection,rehabilitationandmaintenanceosmallwatershedareaswhicharesourcesolocalwatersupplyasidentiedortobeidentiedbytheDENR;h) Enorcementoorestrylaws;andi) Prevention o orest res, integrated pest management and protection against orest

invasivespecies.

SECION 14. Multisectoral participation.Inormulatingconservationandmanagementplansandprograms,multisectoralparticipationshallberequired.

SECION 15. Local Government Unit Consent and Consultation. ProponentsoallorestryprojectstobeimplementedintheLGUsterritorialjurisdictionshallstrictlycomplywithSections26and27otheLocalGovernmentCode.

SECION 16. Forest Board.Aorestboard(Board)shallbecreatedattheMunicipallevelwhichshallbecomposedoarepresentativeromtheLGUandrepresentativesodierent


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sectorsincludingbutnotlimitedto,women,armers,sherolks,andindigenouspeoples,shallsetthepolicydirectionorthemanagement,utilizationanddevelopmentoorestlandsandresourcesoundwithintheirrespectivejurisdictionsinaccordancewiththewatershedcontinuumplan.

SECION 17. Functions o the Forest Board.TeBoardshallberesponsibleortheover-allpolicydirectionorthemanagementotheorestlandsandorestresourcesoundwithintheirrespectivejurisdictionsinaccordancewiththeprovisionsothisAct.Itshallreviewandrecommendimplementationoprogramsandprojectsandperormoversightunctionsonmatterspertainingtoenvironmentandnaturalresources.Itshallalsoparticipateinthereviewandrecommendrelevantpoliciesortheprotection,conservationandrestorationeortswithinthecontinuumandensurethecontributionotheorestrysectortonationaleconomy,ecologicalsustainabilityandsustainabledevelopmentcloselyadheringtotheprinciplesandactionplanssetunderPhilippineAgenda21anditsrevisedversions.ItshallmoreoveracilitatetheinitiationotheLGUsparticipationinthedevolutionprogramandshallmonitorthetranserandimplementationodevolvedunctionsattheLGU.

SECION 18. Creation o a Municipal Environmentand Natural Resources Oce.AMunicipalEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesOce(MENRO)isherebycreated,includingthepositionortheMunicipalEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesOcer.TeLGUshallensurethatundsareavailableortheoperationsandsalariesopersonnelorthisOce.

SECION 19. Qualications o a MunicipalEnvironment and Natural Resources Ocer.TeMunicipalEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesOcershouldhaveabackgroundinplanning,naturalandenvironmentalscience,andshouldbecivilserviceeligible.

SECION 20. Functions o the MENRO.TeMENROshallacilitatethepreparationomanagementplans.ItshallrecommendtotheBoardrelevantpoliciesortheprotection,conservationandrestorationeortswithinthecontinuum.Itshallevaluateapplicationsororestmanagementagreements;monitortheperormanceoholdersoalltenurialinstrumentsissuedbytheLGUandDepartment.TeMENROmayrecommendtoDENRappropriateactionwithregardtotheimplementationopertinentlaws,rulesandregulations.TeMENROshallexercisevisitorialpowersovertheorestlands.

SECION 21. Forest Management Committeewithin a watershed continuum.Aorestmanagement

committeeshallbecreatedundertheMunicipalDevelopmentCouncil.Municipalities/citiesallingwithinthesamewatershedcontinuumshallormaorestmanagementcommitteewithintheProvincialDevelopmentCouncil.Provided urther,TatprovincesallingunderthesamewatershedcontinuumwillcreateacommitteewithintheRegionalDevelopment

Council.Tesecommitteesshallberesponsibleorthepreparationotherequiredoverallmanagementplans,inrelationtothedirectionsetbytheirrespectiveForestBoards.

SECION 22. Forestlands under Other GovernmentAgencies.Forestlandsand/orportionsthereowhichhavebeenassignedbylawtotheadministrationandmanagementoothergovernmentagenciesoraspecicpurposepriortothepassageothisActshallremainundertheadministrationandmanagementothesegovernmentagencieswhichshallberesponsibleortheirconservation,protection,andrestoration.TeSecretaryandtheconcernedlocalchieexecutiveortheirrespectivedulyauthorizedrepresentativeshallexercisevisitorialpowersovertheseorestlands.Moreover,theseorestlandsshallbeadministeredinaccordancewithaorestmanagementplanembodiedinthecomprehensiveorestmanagementandlanduseplanotheLGU,whichshallbepreparedbytheconcernedmanagementcommitteeothewatershedcontinuumlevelwithinone(1)yearromtheeectivityothisAct.Saidmultisectoralbodyshallperiodicallyreview,monitor,andevaluatetheimplementationothesaidmanagementplan.Provided,TattheharvestingoorestresourcesandbuildingoroadsandotherinrastructurethereinshallbeundertakenonlywiththepriorapprovalotheLGUupontheendorsementothelocalorestryboards,andatercompliancewithEISandECCrequirements:Provided urther,TattheLGUshallendorsetotheSecretarywhoshallrecommendtoCongressorthePresidentothePhilippinesthereversiontotheLGUothejurisdictionandcontroloverorestlandsthatarenolongerneedednorusedorthepurposebywhichtheyhavebeenconstitutedorin

casetheagencyconcernedailstorehabilitate,protect,andconservetheorestlandresourcesinaccordancewiththeapprovedmanagementplan.TeLGU,incoordinationwithitsorestryboardandconsistentwiththewatershedcontinuumplan,shalldeterminetheuseotherevertedorestlands.

SECION 23. Forest Resources within Alienable andDisposable Lands.Allorestresourcesplantedorraisedwithinalienableanddisposablelandsbelongtotheholderotheinstrumentgivingrightstotheclaimant,whoshallhavetherighttosell,contract,conveyor

disposeothesamesubjecttoacerticationprocesstobedevelopedbytheDepartment.TeDepartmentshallpreparetheguidelinesincoordinationandcooperation


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withLGUsandmultisectoralconsultations.HoldersosaidinstrumentswhoregistertheirorestslandsororestrypurposeswiththeLGUshallbeassistedinthepreparationoamanagementplanconsistentwiththewatershedcontinuummanagementplan,andshallbeentitledtoappropriateincentivesprovidedunderSection44herein, onreorestationinprivatelands:

Provided,TatalienableanddisposablelandsdevotedtotheplantingandharvestingoorestresourcesshallremainsubjecttotheprovisionsoRepublicActNo.6657ortheComprehensiveAgrarianReormLaworanyothersimilarlawthatmaybeenacted.

SECION 24. Forest Resources within ProductionForestlands.Resources,includingnon-timberorestproducts,itsby-productsanditsderivatives,whethernaturallygrowing,plantedorraised,whichhavebeentakenorhavebeenappliedwithsomesilviculturalpractices,withinproductionorestlandsshallbeissuedtheappropriatepermit,agreementorclearance.AnydeclarationoorestresourcesasthreatenedshallbeinaccordancewiththeWildlieActandotherrelevantlaws.

SECION 25. Logging in Production Forestlands.oensuretheconservationandsustainableuseoorestresourcesinproductionorestlands,holdersotimberlicenses,permitsand/oragreementsshallsubmittotheLGUanIntegratedOperationsPlan(IOP)containingstrictenvironmentalguidelinessuchasECCcompliance.Allorestdevelopmentactivitiessuchaslogging,reorestation,timberstandimprovement,orestprotection,anddeliveryocommunityservicewithinanareacoveredbytimberconcessionsshallbeconsolidatedundertheIOP,whichshallbepreparedbyorunderthesupervisionoanaccreditedprivateregisteredoresterwhosesignatureanddrysealshallappearintheplanandthesupportingdocumentssubmittedorthispurpose.

SECION 26. Forest Resources within ProtectionForestlands.Onlynon-timberorestproductsshallbe

allowedtobeextractedromprotectionorestlandsandshallbeissuedtheappropriatepermit,agreementorlicense,Provided, thatharvestingorgatheringotimberorsubsistenceuseoindigenouscommunitiesandorestcommunitiesshallbeallowedbutonlyinwoodlotsestablishedbythecommunities.Anydeclarationoorestresourcesasthreatene,andotherrestrictionsshallbeinaccordancetotheWildlieAct.

SECION 27. Absolutely Prohibited Activities inProtection Forestlands. Commerciallogging,miningandothersimilarextractiveactivitiessuchasbut

notlimitedtotreasurehuntingshallbeabsolutelyprohibitedinprotectionorestlands.

SECION 28. Review o Reservations withinProtection Forestlands. Allreservationsmadewithinprotectionorestlandsshallbereviewed.ReservationswhicharecontrarytotheprovisionsothisAct,including,amongothers,mineralorsettlementreservations,shallbewithdrawn.

SECION 29. Commercial Logging Ban in Protectionorestlands.Tereshallbeapermanentbanoncommercialloggingactivitiesinallprotectionorestsdened,categorized,andsub-classiedinSection8(a)herein.Nolicenses,permits,oragreementstocutanytimberthereinshallbeissued.

SECION 30. Protection Forestlands covered byExisting Permits, Licenses and/or Agreements.Allexistingpermits,licensesandagreementsshallbereviewed,and,iprotectionorestlandsareoundwithinanagreementorlicensedarea,suchprotectionorestlandsshallbeimmediatelyexcisedromsaidpermit,licenseand/oragreement,andtheholderotheagreementorlicenseshallestablishabuerzoneanddelineatetheirboundarieswiththeproductionorestlands,markingthesamewithconcretemonuments,road,orinrastructure,oranyothervisible,permanent,andpracticablesigns.

SECION 31. Duty o the License Permit-holder. IncoordinationwiththeconcernedLGU,theagreement-orlicense-holdersshallprotectandconservesuchprotectionareaollowingaplanconsistentwiththeprescribedmanagementplanorkeybiodiversityareasorsimilarstrategiesbytheDepartment.Teagreement-orlicense-holderconcernedshallbeaccountableorthedestructionosuchprotectionorestlandsthatdidnotresultromorce majeure,andsuchdestructionshallserveasbasis,inadditiontotheotherviolationsenumeratedinthisActhereo, ortheterminationorrevocationotheagreement,license,orpermit,andthelingoproperchargesundertheNIPASActandpertinentorestrylaws,rulesandregulations.Intheabsenceoacontractororagreement

holderoversuchproductionorestlands,thedelineationosaidboundaryshallbeundertakenandprioritizedbytheDepartment.

SECION 32. Non-Extension o imber LicenseAgreements.NoextensionsshallbemadeonanyexistingLA,andtheareacoveredbytheagreementshallautomaticallybesub-classiedasprotectionorestlandatertherepresentativesotheDepartment,theLGUsconcerned,theDepartmentoAgrarianReorm,NGOs,peoplesorganizations,andotherstakeholdershadexcludeddegradedareasthatmaybe

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SECION 33. Forest Resources within AncestralDomains/Ancestral Lands. Whenorestresourcesarewithinancestraldomains/ancestrallandswhichareotherwiseproductionorprotectionorestlands,asideromthenecessarypermit,licenseoragreement,thegenuineree,priorandinormedconsentotheindigenouscommunitiesshallalsobesecured,Provided,

Tatitheindigenouscommunitieswillthemselvesharvesttheseresourcesortheirsubsistenceorsurvivaluse,theprovisionsoIPRAshallapplyandnopermitsshallberequiredasownersosuchresources,Provided

fnally,Tat, itheindigenouspeopleswillthemselvesharvestsuchresourcesorcommercialpurposes,theyshallbesubjecttothesamelimitationsandconditionsasprovidedbythisAct.

TeNationalCommissiononIndigenousPeoples

(NCIP)shallcoordinateandconsulttheDepartmentinprovidingassistancetotheindigenouspeoplesinthesustainablemanagementanddevelopmentoorestresourceswithinancestrallandsanddomains.

SECION 34. Mandatory EIA.Anypermit,license,agreementoranyotherinstrumenttodeveloporuse

orestlandsorresourcestherein,includingthoseoundwithinancestraldomains/landsthatwouldresultinseveresoilerosionorenvironmentaldegradationshallbesubjecttotheprovisionsoEnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA)inaccordancewithPresidentialDecreeNo.1151orthePhilippineEnvironmentalPolicy,PresidentialDecreeNo.1586,EstablishinganEnvironmentalImpactStatementSystem,andthisAct.


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CHAPER IvForest Management Planning, Monitoringand Assessment

SECION 35. Forestry Master Plan.TeDepartmentshallperiodicallypreparethemap,revisitorreviewtheForestryMasterPlaninconsultationwithlocalstakeholders,andshallrevisethesaidplanaccordingtotheprovisionsothisbill,takingalsointoconsiderationbiodiversityconservation,carbonsequestrationandothermattersothesameimport.TeForestryMasterPlanshallbepresentedtoallLGUs,andotherstakeholdersuponcompletionandshallbepostedinconspicuousareasandmadeaccessibletothepublic.

SECION 36. Sustainable Forest Management Planning. Subjecttovestedorpriorrights,theDepartment,inconsultationandcoordinationwithLGUs,othergovernmentagencies,localcommunities,non-governmentorganizations,individualandcorporateentities,privatesectors,academicandresearchinstitutions,andotherconcernedsectorsshall,withinone(1)yearromtheeectivityothisAct,developandadoptasustainableorestmanagementstrategyoreachwell-denedwatershedorotherappropriateorestmanagementunitbasedoncriteria,indicators,andstandardsorsustainableorestmanagementwhich,attheirminimum,addresstheollowingrequirements:

a. Rationalallocationoorestlandusesandpromotionolandusepracticesthatincreaseproductivityandconservesoil,water,andotherorestlandresources;

b. Protectionoexistingorestresourcesandconservationobiodiversity;c. Restorationodenudedareas,makinguseoindigenoustreespeciesorbiodiversityconservationinprotectionorestsandbuerstripsowaterchannelsandbodies;

d.Establishmentotreeplantationsinproductionorestlands,privatelands,andalienableanddisposablelands;

e. Enhancementothesocio-economicwell-beingolocalcommunitiesincludingindigenouspeopleswhoarelargelydependentontheorestortheirlivelihood;

. PromotionoclosercoordinationbetweenandamongtheDepartment,LGUs,othernationalagencies,non-governmentorganizations,localcommunities,theprivatesector,academicandresearchinstitutionsandotherentitiesinthesustainablemanagementoorestlands;

g. Adoptionocommunity-basedorestmanagementasaprincipalstrategyinthemanagementoorestlandsandresources;and,

h. Harmonizationandintegrationotheorestmanagementplanoorestlandsandresourceswithotherplans,suchastheorestmanagementplanandthelanduseplansotheLGUs,protectedareasmanagementplansinareascoveredbythesame,criticalhabitatmanagementplan,barangaydevelopmentplan,CLUPocitiesandmunicipalitiesandphysicalrameworkplansotheprovincesandtheregionaldevelopmentplans,andbeconsistentwiththe

ancestraldomainmanagementplansandprotectedareamanagementplansareascovered.

TeDepartmentshallcontinuetoadopttheMasterPlanorForestryDevelopmentsubjecttoperiodicrevieweveryve(5)years.

SECION 37. Watershed Continuum Management Strategy.TeWatershedContinuumPlanningandManagementFrameworkinEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesshallbeadopted.Testrategyorimprovedwatershedresourcesmanagementshallbedemand-driven,community-based,andmultiple-andsustainable-useconsideringnationalprioritiesandconcernsolocalstakeholders.Watershedcontinuummanagementprogramsinitiatedbythegovernmentshallbeguidedbyecological,socio-cultural,economic,andinstitutionalsustainabilityprinciples.ANationalWatershedInormationSystemshallbedevelopedtoguidepolicyormulation,programdevelopment,and

implementationowatershedcontinuummanagementinitiatives.TeDepartmentinconsultationwiththeLGUsshallidentiythewatershedcontinuuminthecountryandprovidethemapsoreach.


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SECION 38. Prioritization o watersheds.Asystemoprioritizationowatershedsshallbepursuedconsideringtheollowing:

a. Biodiversityandenvironmentalenhancement;

b. Culturalandhistoricalvalue;

c. Watersupplyordomestic,irrigation,power,industrial,andcommercialuse;

d. Contributiontotheeconomy;ande. Eectondownstreamareas.

SECION 39. Forest Resource Database andMonitoring System.AreasidentiedbytheDepartmentasorestsasdenedunderthisActshallbeveriedandvalidatedbytheForestDevelopmentCenter,includingthosewithinancestraldomainsandlands.Acentralizedorestlandresourcedatabaseshallbemadeavailabletothepublicatalltimes,onlineipossible,whichshallconsistocomprehensiveupdatedinormationonthephysical,social,economic,biological,environmentalandculturalcomponentsothecountrysorestlandsandshallincludealogcontrolmonitoringortimberidenticationsystemtoenabletheDepartmentanditseldocestotrackthemovementortranserotimberandotherorestproductsromaorestlandsourcetotheirendusers.TeDepartmentshallconductand/or

updateorestresourceinventoryatleastonceeveryve(5)yearstoensureeectivemanagement.

SECION 40. Environmental Impact Assessment,Resource Accounting and Valuation.Allnewenvironmentallycriticalprojectstobeimplementedinorestlands,suchasharvesting,grazingandotherspecial

uses,mineralprospectingandexploration,androad,inrastructure,andmillconstruction,shallbesubjecttoEnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA)inaccordancewithPresidentialDecreeNo.1151orthePhilippineEnvironmentalPolicy,andPresidentialDecreeNo.1586,EstablishinganEnvironmentalImpactStatementSystem.Ascienticresourcevaluationoimpactsoaectedbiophysicalandenvironmentalelements,andanextendedbenetcostanalysisshallbeusedintheEISS.TeDepartmentshalldesignandimplementasystemoregularperiodicmonitoringandassessmentusingtheCriteriaandIndicatorsasrameworkandshallormulateappropriatestandardsasbasisorassessingprogresstowardssustainableorestmanagement.Furthermore,theDepartmentshalldesignandimplementanappropriatenaturalresourcesaccountingandvaluationsystemorvariousorestryinitiatives.TeDepartmentshallestablishthetotalvalueoorestlandsbasedonmultipleuses,includingtheirenvironmentalservices.


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CHAPER vReorestation and Restoration

SECION 41. Restoration in Protection Forestlands.Terestorationoallcriticalwatersheds

andcritical,denuded,anddegradedorestswithinprotectionareasshallbeprioritized.Onlytheuseoindigenousornativespeciesintherestorationandrehabilitationoprotectionareasshallbeadoptedtoenhancebiologicaldiversitytherein.TeLGUsincoordinationwiththeDepartment,othergovernmentagencies,NGOs,localresidentsandcommunities,andothersectorsconcerned,shallidentiyandprioritizeorestlandstobereorested.TeLGU,consistentwiththewatershedcontinuumplanandthecorrespondingmunicipalorestlanduseplanmayenterintoagreementswithqualiedpersons,includingorestcommunityorganizations,intherestorationoprotectionorestlands.

SECION 42. Identication o Restoration Forestlands.LGUs,incooperationwiththeDENRandothergovernmentagencies,NGOs,localresidentsandcommunitiesshallidentiyandprioritizeorestlandstoberestored,Provided, priorityrestorationshallbeabando200metersromthe

boundaryoprotectionareasandprotectedareas,abandonedminesandabandonedandidleshpondsormangroverestoration.Formangroveorests,theLGUshallpreparearehabilitationplantorestoremangrovesintheirarea.Provided urther,Tatanacceleratedrestorationprograminsuchidentiedpriorityprotectionorestlandsshallbeundertakentoraisetheorestcoverthereinatleasttypercent(50%)otheprioritizedareawithinve(5)yearsandeightypercent(80%)otheareawithinten(10)yearsromeectivityothisAct.TeLGUshallallotundstoeectivelyaccomplishrestorationeitherbyitsownorthroughpermit,licenseand/oragreementinprotectionorestlands.TeDepartmentorotheragenciesresponsibleorrestorationshallgiveprioritytolocalcommunitiesinthegrantingotechnicalandnancialassistanceorrestorationactivities,Provided

fnally,Tatassistednaturalregeneration(ANR)shallbeencouragedinprotectionorestlands.

SECION 43. Reorestation or ree Plantation Development in Production Forestlands. InaccordancewithSection50herein,theLGUmayenterintojointventure,co-production,orproduction-sharingagreementwithqualiedpersonstoreorestortodeveloptreeplantationsinproductionorestlands,Provided,thatpalmplantationsandthelikeshallnotbeallowedinproductionorestlands.

SECION 44. Reorestation in Forestlands under the Jurisdiction oOther Government Agencies.Governmentagenciesandinstitutionshavingmanagementcontroloverorestlandspursuanttoalaworgrantshallberesponsibleorthereorestationodenudedanddegradedportionsosuchorestlands.Tereorestationprogramotheseagenciesshallaimtoincreasethevegetationothedegradedareasusingnativespecies,tobeidentiedjointlybytheDepartmentandagencyconcernedandmultisectoralstakeholders.TeconcernedagencyincoordinationwiththeLGUshallprepare

thereorestationplan,consistentwiththewatershedcontinuumplananddeterminetheratiooorestedareasatanygiventime.Failuretoreorestdenudedand/ordegradedorestlandidentiedinthereorestationplanwithintheperiodhereinprescribedshallbesucientgroundtorequestorreversionothesaidorestlandstothejurisdictionandcontrolotheLGU:Provided, however,TatinareaswhereCommunity-basedForestManagementStrategy(CBFMS)shallbeimplementedorwherethereareexistingacilitiesorbasicservicessuchaswaterandpowerasallowedbytheDepartmentpursuanttotheprovisionsothisAct,thecompletionothereorestationprogramshallbesubjecttotheconditionsprovidedintheinstrumenttobeawardedbytheDepartmentandtheagencyconcernedtotheparticipatinglocalcommunityorindividualorintheForestManagementAgreementocontractorsoperatingsuchacilitiesorbasicservices,asapprovedbytheDepartment.Provided fnally, thatwheneverapplicable,theuseoANRshallbepreerredandcommunity-basedorestmanagementencouraged.

SECION 45. Reorestation in Alienable and Disposable Lands and/or Private Lands.Reorestationortheestablishmentotreearmsortreeplantationsinprivatelandsguidedby


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thewatershedcontinuumPlanshallbeencouraged:Provided,TatsuchprivatelandsandotheralienableanddisposablelandsarenotprimeagriculturallandsasdeterminedorcertiedbytheDepartmentoAgriculture(DA).Teprivatelandowner(s)shallalsobeentitledtotheincentivesprovidedorunderSection44herein:Provided,Tatsuchprivatetree

plantationsaredulyregisteredwiththeDepartment.Wheneverapplicable,useoANRshallbepreerredandcommunity-basedorestmanagementencouraged.

SECION 46. Incentives o Reorestation orRestoration within Production Forestlands.oencouragequaliedpersonstoengageinrestorationorreorestationactivities,theollowingincentivesshallbegranted:

a. Upontheprematureterminationotheagreementatnoaultotheholder,alldepreciablepermanentandsemi-permanentimprovementssuchasroads,buildings,andnurseriesincludingtheplantedandstandingtreesandotherorestcropsintroducedandtoberetainedintheareashallbeproperlyevaluatedandtheholdershallbeentitledtoaaircompensationthereo,theamountowhichshallbemutuallyagreeduponbyboththeLGUandtheagreementholder,andincaseodisagreementbetweenthem,byarbitrationthroughamutuallyacceptableandimpartialthirdpartyadjudicator;

b. Teagreementholderhastherighttotranser,contract,sell,orconveyhisrightstoanyqualiedpersonollowingtheguidelinestobeissuedbytheSecretary,Provided, thatisuchrestorationorreorestationwereconductedwithinancestraldomains/ancestrallands,thetransereeshallsecuretheree,priorandinormedconsentotheindigenouscommunitiesosuchancestraldomains/ancestrallandspriortosuchtranser;and,

c.Intheeventthatthearearestoredhasprovided

ecologicalservicestothecommunity,usereesshallbeallowedasincentives.

TeSecretarymayprovideorrecommendtothePresidentortoCongressotherincentivesinadditiontothosegrantedhereinandinexistinglawsinordertopromotereorestationandtheestablishmentotree

plantations,Provided,TatinnocaseshalltheSecretaryprovideincentivesthatshallputtheStateatagrossdisadvantage,norshalltheSecretaryprovideincentivesonon-paymentotaxesorotherrightuleesduetotheStateasprovidedbyotherlaws.

SECION 47. Reorestation in Ancestral Domains/Ancestral Lands.Reorestationinancestraldomains/ancestrallands,inotundertakenbytheICCs/IPsthemselves,shallrequiretheree,priorandinormedconsentotheICCs/IPs.

SECION 48. Reorestation in Protection Forestlands.TeDepartmentmaycontractoutthereorestationand/ormanagementoprotectionorestlandstoanyperson,Provided,thatsuchpersonsshouldmeetthequalicationsenumeratedinSection54.TeDepartmentshallreasonablycompensatesuchpersonsorsuchreorestationand/ormanagementactivitiesandextendthenecessaryassistanceinthereorestationand/ormanagementosuchprotectionorestlands.

SECION 49. Voluntary Ofer to Reorest.Privatelandowners,whethernaturalorjuridicalpersons,mayparticipateinreorestationandplantationdevelopmentorsimilarprogramsotheLGUortheDepartment,withthelandownercontributinghislandandtheLGUorDepartmenturnishingundstoreoresttheareaonaco-productionagreement:Provided,Tatthepropertyshallbeexclusivelydevotedtotheplantingoorestspeciesoratleastone(1)rotation,whichundertakingshallbeannotatedatthebackothetitleotheproperty:Provided,urther,TatprimeagriculturallandsasdeterminedorcertiedbytheDAshallnotbethesubjectoavoluntaryoertoreorest.


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CHAPER vICommunity-Based Forest Management Strategy

SECION 50. Community-Based Forest Management Strategy (CBFMS).Whenevertheyare

present,orestresidentamilies,communities,indigenouspeoplesandothercommunitieswhoselives,cultureandgeneralwell-beingareintimatelylinkedwiththeorests,shallbeentrustedwiththeresponsibilitytoprotect,manage,developandutilizeresourceslimitedtowoodlotsandnon-timberorestproducts(NFP)undertheprincipleostewardship.imberharvestingshallonlybeallowedinproductionorestlandsdesignatedintheCommunityResourceManagementPlans(CRMP).TeDepartmenttogetherwiththeLGUs,andinconsultationwithaectedstakeholdersandsectors,shalldeveloppolicies,criteria,guidelinesandtenurialinstrumentsthatwillsimpliyandallowaccessoorestresidentamilies,andlocalcommunitiestoorestlandresources.TeLGUswillreviewallCBFMAsintheirjurisdictiontoassessperormanceanddeterminemembershipstatusotheCBFMA-holder.TeDepartmenttogetherwiththeLGUs,inconsultationwithaectedstakeholdersandsectors,shallurthermoredeveloppolicies,andguidelinesthatpromotepartnershipbetweentheprivatesectorandorest-basedcommunitiesin

pursuitosustainablecommunityorestmanagementactivities.

SECION 51. A

hf policy paper 5: restoring the philippine rainforests

Documents