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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
subjectoareorestationproject.
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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