MT.

PULAG REASEARCH

Mount Pulag (Ilocano: Bantay Pulag) and (Filipino: Bundok Pulag) is the 3rd
highest mountain in the Philippines.[3][better source needed] It is Luzons highest peak at 2,922 metres
(9,587 ft) above sea level.[1] The borders between the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao,
and Nueva Vizcaya meet at the mountain's peak.
It is the third highest mountain in the Philippines, next to Mount Apo and Mount Dulangdulang.
Mount Pulag is famous for its "sea of clouds" and the view of the Milky Way Galaxy at dawn,
which has attracted many tourists who wish to see the "other-worldly" scenery.

History
The Ibaloi people of Benguet mummify their dead and house in caverns in the mountain.
The Kabayan mummy burial caves, one of the main attraction of the site, is considered as
Philippine National cultural treasures under Presidential Decree No. 432.[4]
Mt. Pulag was proclaimed a National Park through Pres. Proclamation No. 75 on February
20, 1987 covering an area of 11,550 hectares (28,500 acres). [5] It is part of the Cordillera
Biogeographic Zone and is a National Integrated Protected Areas Programme (NIPAP)
site.[6]
The National Park is inhabited by different ethnic groups such as
the Ibalois, Kalanguya, Kankana-eys, Karao, Ifugaos and the Ilocanos.

Geography
Mount Pulag stands at 2,922 metres (9,587 ft) high.[1] The peak of the mountain meet
the borders of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya.

Climate
Because of its high elevation, the climate on Mount Pulag is temperate with rains
predominating the whole year. Rainfall on the mountain averages 4,489 millimetres
(176.7 in) yearly with August being the wettest month with an average rainfall of 1,135
millimetres (44.7 in). Snow has not fallen on its top in at least the past 100 years
however, there have been mild flurries occurred in the mountain especially during
December, January and February, also frost is more common in the mountain due to the
low temperature during those months. During the amihan season, the temperature in
the highest point of the mountain is known to dip into sub-freezing temperatures
making the coldest place in the country. The only recorded incidence of snow was in the
late 1800s.

Fauna and Flora[edit]

A short-footed Luzon Tree Rat or a Dwarf Cloud Rat

Mount Pulag hosts 528 documented plant species. It is the natural habitat of
the endemic Dwarf Bamboo, (Yushania niitakayamensis) and the Benguet pine (Pinus
insularis) which dominates the areas of Luzon tropical pine forests found on the
mountainsides. Among its native wildlife are 33 bird species and several threatened
mammals such as the Philippine Deer, Giant Bushy-Tailed Cloud Rat (bowet) and the LongHaired Fruit Bat.[6] Mount Pulag is the only place that hosts the 4 Cloud Rat species. It has
one of the most diverse biodiversity of the Philippines, with the newly found (since
1896) 185 grams Dwarf cloud rat, Carpomys melanurus, a rare breed (endemic to the
Cordillera) and the Koch pitta bird among its endangered denizens.

Hiking activity
As the highest mountain in Luzon, Mount Pulag attracts a lot of mountain climbers.
[6]
Highlights of the climb include the montane forestsand the grassland summit with its
"sea of clouds" phenomenon. There are four major trails up the summit: the Ambangeg,
Akiki, and Tawangan trails from Benguet and the Ambaguio trail from Nueva Vizcaya.
These trails are managed by the Mount Pulag National Park, under the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources.

Presidential helicopter crash

On 7 April 2009 a Philippine Air Force (PAF) Bell 412 of the 250th Presidential Airlift
Wing crashed at 6,900 feet (2,100 m) above sea level in the Kabayan-Pulag pass
between Mount Mangingihi and Mount Pulag in thick low cloud and fog. The aircraft
pilots and their passengers, who are presidential appointees, died in the crash. [7]
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Pulag

Mapping out Mount Pulag

Published December 25, 2009 4:49pm
Text and Photos by DAVE LEPROZO, JR.

Mt. Pulag National Park lies on the north and south spine of the
Grand Cordillera Central range that stretches from Pasaleng, Ilocos
Norte to the Cordillera Provinces. The provinces of Benguet, Ifugao,
and Nueva Vizcaya surround the mountain.

The whole parkwhich became a National Park by virtue of

Presidential Proclamation No. 75 on February 20, 1987covers
11,550 hectares. It was established to protect and preserve the
natural features of the area such as its outstanding vegetation and
wildlife. It belongs to Northern Luzons Cordillera Biogeographic
Zone. It is also a National Integrated Protected Area Programme
(NIPAP) site.

Camp out. Trekkers settle at a camp site on Mount Pulag among oak
and pine trees, as well as dwarf bamboos.

Mt. Pulag is the highest peak in Luzon and is the second highest
mountain in the Philippines at 2,922 meters above sea level. Its
summit is covered with grass and dwarf bamboo plants. At lower
elevations, the mountainside has mossy forests veiled with fog and
full of ferns and lichens. Below this is the pine forest growing on
barren, rocky slopes. Waterfalls, rivers, and small lakes mark the
area.
The park has a large diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are
endemic to the mountain. Its wildlife includes threatened mammals
such as the Philippine Brown Deer, Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat,
and the Luzon Pygmy Fruit Bat. One can also find several orchid

species, some of which are possibly endemic to Mt. Pulag, as well as

other rare flora such as the pitcher plant in the mountain.

View from the top. Scenic view of rice terraces and pine forest from
the top of the highest peak in Luzon.

Mt. Pulag is an important watershed, providing the water needs for

domestic and industrial use, irrigation, hydroelectric power
production, and aquaculture.
The Ibaloi tribes who inhabit the areas around Mt. Pulag along the
Benguet province consider the mountain as sacred and the final
resting place of their ancestors.
Campers and trekkers think of Mt. Pulag as a mystical setting, with
its pristine rain forests and grasslands carpeted with dwarf bamboo
often bathed in sunny but foggy conditions.

Sunrise at the summit. Outdoors enthusiasts are drawn to the

magnificent sunrise as viewed from the top of Mount Pulag.

The parks accessibility, availability of transport from Baguio City

and Nueva Vizcaya, and peaceful conditions are some of the reasons
why many visitors frequent the National Park.
The Department of Tourism recorded a sudden rise in visitors to the
park from 2008 to 2009. Just this month, around 500 climbers have
visited Mt. Pulag. But you dont have to be a gung-ho mountaineer
to enjoy the mountain. The Department of Environment and Natural
Resources Parks and Wildlife Bureau, in cooperation with Mt. Pulag
Tribal Guides Association, provide guide and porter services.
Source:
https://web.archive.org/web/20161004112508/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/
180224/lifestyle/travel/mapping-out-mount-pulag#sthash.SXL9ZQe6.dpuf

Ancestral Claims
Ancestral domain
Some residents in Mt. Pulag say they have ancestral land rights over parts of the area.
At least four Certificates of Ancestral Land Claims (CALC) have been awarded to residents.
Two CALCs were given to residents of Barangay (village) Ekip, Bokod, Benguet; while one
each was given to residents of Brgys. Lusod and Tawangan, both in Kabayan, Benguet.
The CALCs were granted under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
Administrative Order No.2. These CALCs can be converted into Certificates of Ancestral Land
Title (CALT) by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) as provided by the
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA).
Source: http://bulatlat.com/main/2007/08/11/commercial-veggie-expansion-infra-worksthreaten-mt-pulag-biodiversity/

Related Laws
PROCLAMATION NO. 75
Signed on February 20, 1987

MALACAANG
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
PROCLAMATION NO. 75
DECLARING AS MOUNT PULOG NATIONAL PARK CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND
OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN EMBRACED AND SITUATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES
OF BUGUIAS AND KABAYAN IN BENGUET, KIANGAN IN IFUGAO AND KAYAPA IN
NUEVA VISCAYA, ISLAND OF LUZON.
Upon recommendation of the Ministry of Natural Resources and pursuant to
the authority vested in me by law, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the
Philippines, do hereby withdraw for sale, settlement, exploration or
exploitation and set aside and declare as Mount Pulog National Park, under
the administration of the Bureau of Forest Development, subject to private
rights, if any there be, a certain parcel of land of the public domain,
embraced and situated in the Municipalities of Buguias and Kabayan in
Benguet, Kiangan in Ifugao, Kayapa in Nueva Viscaya, Island of Luzon, which
tract of land, is more particularly described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at a point marked 1 on the Bureau of Forest Development Map,

NP-49, at the junction of Elet River and Creek;
thence N 25 E, 4,350 meters to corner 2;
thence N 19 E, 3,350 meters to corner 3;
thence N 29 E, 4,700 meters to corner 4;
thence following Buguias creek upstream SE direction, 1,000 meters to
corner 5;
thence N 83 E, 1,900 meters to corner 6;
thence S 72 E, 2,000 meters to corner 7;
thence S 43 E, 2,650 meters to corner 8;
thence S 24 E, 2,350 meters to corner 9;
thence following Cadaclan River downstream SE direction, 2,300 meters to
corner 10;
thence following unknown creek upstream SW direction, 1,000 meters to
corner 11;
thence S 16 E, 2,200 meters to corner 12;
thence S 19 E, 4,350 meters to corner 13;
thence following unknown creek upstream NE and SE direction, 2,000 meters
to corner 14;
thence S 32 W, 3,700 meters to corner 15;
thence S 03 W, 2,250 meters to corner 16;
thence following unknown creek upstream SW direction, 1,000 meters to
corner 17;
thence N 81 W, 4,000 meters to corner 18;
thence N 38 W, 3,850 meters to corner 19;
thence N 15 E, 2,400 meters to corner 20;
thence following unknown creek downstream NW and W direction, 2,700
meters to point of beginning, containing an area of ELEVEN THOUSAND FIVE
HUNDRED FIFTY (11,550) hectares more or less.
The primary purpose for the establishment of this national park is to protect
and preserve the outstanding natural features particularly the wildlife,
vegetation and the tarns.
The hunting, wounding, taking or killing within said territory of any wild
animals or birds and/or the destruction of any vegetation or any act causing
disturbances to the habitat of wildlife herein protected are hereby prohibited.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.
Done in the City of Manila, this 20th day of February, in the year of Our Lord,
nineteen hundred and eighty-seven.

(SGD) CORAZON C. AQUINO

President of the Philippines
By the President:
(SGD) FULGENCIO S. FACTORAN
Deputy Executive Secretary
2. Executive Order No. 23, s. 2011
Signed on February 1, 2011

2.
MALACAAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 23
DECLARING A MORATORIUM ON THE CUTTING AND HARVESTING OF TIMBER
IN THE NATURAL AND RESIDUAL FORESTS AND CREATING THE ANTI-ILLEGAL
LOGGING TASK FORCE
WHEREAS, the entire country has been a witness to the ever-changing
climatic conditions brought about by the La Nia phenomenon;
WHEREAS, the destructive effects of the phenomenon on the environment
are apparent in many regions in the country and it is an accepted fact that
the effects are worsened due to the continuous denudation of the forest
zones;
WHEREAS, the watersheds and the river systems supporting existing or
proposed hydroelectric power facilities, irrigation works or existing water
facilities are in need of immediate protection and rehabilitation;
WHEREAS, it is the obligation of the State to protect the remaining forest
cover areas of the country not only to prevent flash floods and hazardous
flooding but also to preserve biodiversity, protect threatened habitats and
sanctuaries of endangered and rare species, and allow natural regeneration
of residual forests and development of plantation forests;
WHEREAS, it is imperative to arrest the degradation, pollution and
contamination of the river and water systems and to stem the wanton
destruction of the forest resources;
WHEREAS, Article XII, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitutional provides
that the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall
be under the full control and supervision of the State.

NOW, THEREFORE, I BENIGNO S. AQUINO, III, President of the Philippines, by

virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:
Section 1. Definition of Terms. For the purpose of this Executive Order, the
following terms shall be defined:
1.1 Forest Land it includes public forest, permanent forest or forest
reserves, and forest reservations.
1.2 Natural and Residual Forests- are forests composed of indigenous trees,
not planted by man.
1.3 Plantation Forest is a forest where the trees were planted pursuant to a
management agreement with the DENR.
1.4 Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) is a production
sharing contract entered into by and between the DENR and a qualified
applicant wherein the DENR grants to the latter exclusive right to develop,
manage, protect and utilize a specified area of forest land and forest
resources therein for a specified period consistent with the principle of
sustainable development and in accordance with an approved
Comprehensive Development and Management Plan (CDMP).
1.5 Socialized Integrated Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA) is an
agreement entered into by and between a natural or juridical person and the
DENR wherein the latter grants to the former the right to develop, utilize and
manage a small tract of forest land consistent with the principle of
sustainable development.
1.6 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFMA) is an agreement
entered into by and between the government and the local community in a
locality, represented by a peoples organization as forest managers, for a
specific period wherein the local community is allowed to develop, utilize and
manage a small tract of forest land consistent with the principle of
sustainable development.
1.7 National Greening Program is a DA-DENR-DAR Convergence Initiative
anchored on the governments goal of poverty reduction, food, security,
climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Section 2. Moratorium on the Cutting and Harvesting of Timber in the Natural
Forests A moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural
and residual forests of the entire country is hereby declared unless lifted
after the effectivity of this Executive Order. In order to implement this policy,
the following are hereby instituted:

2.1 The DENR is henceforth hereby prohibited form issuing logging

contracts/agreements in all natural and residual forests, such as Integrated
Forest Management Agreements (IFMA), Socialized Integrated Forest
Management Agreements (SIFMA), Community-Based Forest Management
Agreement (CBFMA) and other agreements/contracts with logging
components in natural and residual forests;
2.2 The DENR is likewise prohibited from issuing/renewing tree cutting
permits in all natural and residual forests nationwide, except for clearing of
road right of way by the DPWH, site preparation for tree plantations,
silvicultural treatment and similar activities, provided that all logs derived
from the said cutting permits shall be turned over to the DENR for proper
disposal. Tree cutting associated with cultural practices pursuant to the
indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA Law) may be allowed only subject to strict
compliance with existing guidelines of the DENR;
2.3 The DENR shall review/evaluate all existing IFMAs, SIFMAs, CBFMAs and
other forestry agreements/contacts and immediately terminate/cancel the
agreements of those who have violated the terms and conditions of their
contracts/agreements as well as existing forest laws, rules and regulations at
least twice. Furthermore, said agreements shall likewise be immediately
terminated/cancelled if the holders thereof engage in logging activities in
any natural or residual forest or abet the commission of the same;
2.4 The DENR shall strictly implement a forest certification system in
accordance with the United Nations standard/guidelines to ascertain the
sustainability of legal sources and chain of custody of timber and wood
products, nationwide;
2.5 The DENR shall close and not allow to operate all sawmills, veneer plants
and other wood processing plants who are unable to present proof of
sustainable sources of legally cut logs for a period of at least five (5) years
within one month from effectivity of this Executive Order:
2.6 The DENR through the DA-DENR-DAR Convergence Initiative, shall
develop a National Greening Program NGP in cooperation with the
Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) to initiate the educational drive campaign; the Department of Interior
and Local Government (DILG) to help in establishing communal tree farms
for firewood and other purposes; the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) to identify the upland farmers covered by the NGP as
priority beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program; the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to provide the funds for the
production of quality seedlings for the NGP from available funds of the

government; and the private sector and other concerned

agencies/institutions to raise funds and resources for tree planting.
2.7 The Department of Education shall be given priority in the use of all
confiscated logs.
Section 3. Creation of the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force. To enforce the
moratorium and lead the anti-illegal logging campaign, an Anti-Illegal
Logging Task Force is hereby created. The Task Force shall be composed of
the DENR Secretary or his duly authorized representative as Chairman and
the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the
Secretary of the Department of National Defense, the Chief of the Philippine
National Police, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines of
their respective authorized representatives , as members.
3.1 Mandate. The Task Force is hereby mandated to take the lead in the antiillegal logging campaign and ensure the implementation of this Executive
Order under the supervision of the DENR. It shall also assist the DENR in the
enforcement of other environmental laws.
3.2 Support from Government Offices and Agencies. The Task Force may call
upon the support of any department, bureau and office of the executive
branch to assist in the discharge of its functions, such as but not limited to
the provision of administrative or technical assistance, logistical support and
detail of personnel. The DENR shall provide the secretariat for the Task Force.
3.3 Budgetary Support. The Department of Budget and Management shall
provide the DENR an initial budget for the Task Force in the amount of Ten
Million Pesos (P10,000,000.00) which shall be sourced from the available
funds of the government. Release of the additional amounts shall be subject
to the approval of the President.
Section 4. Repealing Clause. All executive orders, rules, and regulations and
other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Executive
Order are hereby revoked, amended, and/or modified accordingly.
Section 5. Implementing Guidelines Upon its formation, the Task Force shall
immediately formulate the guidelines for the implementation of the policies
set forth in this Executive Order.
Section 6. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately after
publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
DONE in the City of Manila, Philippines, this 1st day of February in the year of
Our Lord Two Thousand and Eleven.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

President of the Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
Executive Secretary

2. DENR-DILG JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 98-01

Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT OF THE
INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 98-01
MANUAL OF PROCEDURES FOR DENR-DILG-LGU PARTNERSHIP ON DEVOLVED AND
OTHER FOREST MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS Pursuant to Republic Act 7160, otherwise
known as the Local Government Code of 1991, Presidential Decree 705 as
amended, otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines ;
Executive Order No. 192 defining the mandates, organization, and functions of the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DENR Administrative
Order No. 30, Series of 1992 prescribing the guidelines for the transfer and
implementation of DENR functions; the following Manual of Procedures is hereby
promulgated to effectively implement devolution of forest management functions
and enhance partnership between the LGUs and the DENR.

Section 1. Basic Policies

Subject to the general policies on devolution as contained in RA 7160 and DENR
Administrative Order No. 30, Series of 1992, the following basic policies shall govern
the implementation of DENR-DILG-LGU partnership on devolved and other forest
management functions:
1.1 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall be the
primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management,
protection, proper use and sustainable development of the countrys environment
and natural resources.
1.2 The LGUs shall share with DENR the responsibility in the sustainable
management and development of the forest resources within their territorial
jurisdiction. Toward this end, the DENR and the LGUs shall endeavor to strengthen
their collaboration and partnership in forest management.
1.3 Comprehensive land use and forest land use plans are important tools in the
holistic and efficient management of forest resources. Toward this end, the DENR
and the LGUs together with other government agencies shall undertake forest land

use planning as an integral activity of comprehensive land use planning to

determine the optimum and balanced use of natural resources to support local,
regional and national growth and development.
1.4 To fully prepare the LGUs to undertake their shared responsibilities in the
sustainable management of forest land resources, the DENR, in coordination with
DILG, shall enhance the capacities of the LGUs in the various aspects of forest
management. Initially, the DENR shall coordinate, guide and train the LGUs in the
management of the devolved functions. As the LGUs capacity in forest
management is enhanced, the primary tasks in the management of devolved
functions shall be performed by the LGUs and the role of the DENR becomes
assistive and coordinative.
1.5 To further the ends of local autonomy, the DENR in consultation with the LGUs
shall devolved additional functions and responsibilities to the local government
units, or enter into agreements with them for enlarged forest management and
other ENR-related functions.
1.6 To seek advocacy, popular support and ultimately help achieve community
empowerment, DENR and DILG shall forge the partnership and cooperation of the
LGUs and other concerned sectors in seeking and strengthening the participation of
local communities for forest management including enforcement of forestry laws,
rules and regulations.

Section 2. Objectives This Manual of Procedures has the following objectives:

2.1 Operationalize and make effective the devolution of forest management
functions from the DENR to the LGUs as contained in Republic Act 7160 and DENR
Administrative Order No. 30, Series of 1992.
2.2 Strengthen and institutionalize DENR-DILG-LGU partnership and cooperation on
devolved and other forest management functions.
2.3 Serve as reference for the DENR, DILG and the LGUs in the implementation,
monitoring and evaluation of devolved and other forest management functions.

Section 3. Provisions of RA 7160 on Devolved Forest Management Functions from

DENR to LGUs
The pertinent provisions of RA 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) providing for
the devolution of forest management functions from the DENR to the LGUs are cited
below.
SECTION 17. Basic Services and Facilities.(a) Local government units shall endeavor to be self-reliant and shall continue
exercising the powers and discharging the duties and functions currently vested
upon them. They shall also discharge the functions and responsibilities of

national agencies and offices devolved to them pursuant to this Code. Local
government units shall likewise exercise such other powers and discharge such
other functions and responsibilities as are necessary, appropriate, or incidental
to efficient and effective provision of the basic services and facilities
enumerated therein.

(b) Such basic services and facilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

3.1 For a Province Pursuant to national policies and subject to supervision, control
and review of the DENR, enforcement of forestry laws limited to community-based
forestry projects, xxx. Sec. 17, (b) (3) (iii)
3.2 For a Municipality
Extension and on-site research services and facilities related to x x x, and
enforcement of fishery laws in municipal waters including the conservation of
mangroves. Sec. 17 (b) (2) (i)
Pursuant to national policies and subject to supervision, control and review of the
DENR, implementation of community-based forestry projects, which include
integrated social forestry programs and similar projects; management and control
of communal forest with an area not exceeding fifty (50) square kilometers,
establishment of tree parks, greenbelts, and similar forest development projects.
Sec. 17 (b) (2) (ii)
3.3 For a City All the services and facilities of the municipality and provinces, x x
x. Sec. 17 (b) (4) The other provisions of the Code that pertain to forest
management functions to be performed by the local government units and/or their
chief executives are:
3.4 To the Municipal Mayor
For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the
general welfare of the municipality government, and in this connection shall: x x x
Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve x x x forest, and other
resources of the municipality ; x x x Sec. 444 (b) (3) (vii)
3.5 To the Sangguniang Bayan
Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective
municipal government, and in this connection shall: x x x Protect the environment
and impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment, such
as x x x illegal logging and smuggling of logs, smuggling of natural resources
products and of endangered species of flora and fauna, slash and burn farming x x
x. Sec. 447 (a) (1) (vi)
Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the
basic services and facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code, and in

addition to said services and facilities, shall: Provide for the establishment,
maintenance, protection, and conservation of communal forests and watersheds,
tree parks, greenbelts, mangroves, and other similar forest development projects.
Sec.447 (a) (5) (i)
3.6 To the City Mayor "Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of
adequate facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code x x x." Sec. 455 (b)
(4)
3.7 To the Sangguniang Panglungsod
Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective
city government, and in this connection, shall: x x x Protect the environment and
impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment, such as x x
x illegal logging and smuggling of logs, smuggling of natural resources products
and endangered species of flora and fauna, slash and burn farming, x x x. Sec. 458
(a) (1) (vi)
Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of basic
services and facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code, and in addition
to said services and facilities, shall: Provide for the establishment, maintenance,
protection and conservation of communal forests and watersheds, tree parks,
greenbelts, mangroves, and other similar forest development projects. Sec. 458
(a) (5) (i)
3.8 To the Provincial Governor
For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the
general welfare of the province and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this
Code, the provincial governor shall:
Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve x x x, forest and other
resources of the province, in coordination with the mayors of component cities and
municipalities: 465 (b) (3) (v)
Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities as
provided for under Section 17 of this Code, x x x." Sec. 456
3.9 To the Sangguniang Panlalawigan
"Approve ordinances and pass resolution necessary for an efficient and effective
provincial government and in this connection, shall: Protect the environment and
impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment, such as x x
x illegal logging and smuggling of logs, smuggling of natural resources products
and of endangered species of flora and fauna, slash and burn farming x x x" Sec
468 (a) (1) (vi)
The Local Government Code did not devolve any specific forest management
functions to the barangays.
Section 4. Definitions

4.1 Communal Forest refers to a tract of forest land set aside by the Secretary of
the DENR upon the recommendation of the concerned LGU for the use of the
residents of a municipality/city. Said residents may cut, collect and remove forest
products for their personal use in accordance 4 with existing laws and regulations
and subject to the provision that utilization of resources therein shall be in
accordance with sustainable development. For this purpose, the concerned LGU
with the assistance of the DENR shall prepare sustainable operations plan prior to
any utilization.
4.2 Community Environment and Natural resources Office (CENRO) refers to the
DENR Office, headed by a Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer
Appointed by the Secretary of DENR, which is responsible for the implementation of
DENR policies, programs, project and activities and the enforcement of ENR laws
and regulations in the community level.
4.3 Community Based Forest Management Program refers to the program involving
local communities which integrates and unites the Integrated Social Forestry
Program (ISFP), Forestry Sector Program, Forestry Sector Project, Forest Land
Management Agreement Program (FLMP), Community Forestry Program (CFP),
Ancestral Domains Management Program (ADMP) and other people oriented
forestry projects.
4.4 Community Watershed Areas refer to forest lands set aside by the Secretary of
the DENR upon the recommendation of the concerned LGU as sources of water
supply for specific local communities subject to the provision that the utilization
thereof shall be in accordance with sustainable development.
4.5 DENR refers to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
4.6 DENRO refers to Deputized Environment and Natural Resources Officer with
power and authority as provided for by law and spelled out in the deputation.
4.7 DILG refers to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
4.8 Devolution refers to the act by which the national government confers power
and authority, upon the various LGUs to perform specific functions and
responsibilities.
4.9 Environment and Natural Resources Officer (ENRO) refers to the LGU official
who may be appointed by the concerned Local Chief Executive and who shall be
directly responsible for the Planning and implementation of the devolved DENR
functions.
4.10 Foreign Assisted Projects refers to DENR projects that are wholly or partially
funded from foreign sources.
4.11 LGU refers to Local Government Unit either at the barangay, municipal, city or
provincial level.
4.12 Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) refers to the
DENR office, headed by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer

appointed by the Secretary of the DENR, which is responsible for the

implementation of DENR policies, programs and projects in the province.
4.13 Protected Areas refers to identified portions of land and water set aside by
reason of their unique physical and biological significance and are managed to
enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation
as provided for in RA 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected
Areas Systems (NIPAS) ACT of 1992.
4.14 Regional Environment and Natural Resources Office (RENRO) refers to the
DENR Office headed by a Regional Executive Director (RED) appointed by the
President that is responsible for the coordination and implementation of all policies,
programs and projects on environmental and natural resources development and
conservation of DENR in the region.
4.15 Regular Reforestation Projects refers to reforestation activities funded through
regular 5 appropriation and implemented by DENR field offices by administration or
by contracts or both s distinguished from foreign sourced funds.

Section 5. Forestry Management Programs, Projects and Function of the DENR which
Have Been Devolve to the Local Government Units
5.1 To the Provinces 5.1.1 The enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations in
community based forestry project areas, community watersheds and communal
forests.
5.2 To the Municipalities
5.2.1 The implementation, management, development of and the responsibility for
the sustainability of the community based forestry projects and activities are now
devolved to the municipalities here they are located.
5.2.2 The following projects and activities, therefore, are now part of the functions
and responsibilities of municipalities to which the have been devolved:
(a) Integrated Social Forestry Projects, except at least one project per province,
which has been previously identified as Centers for People Empowerment in the
Uplands and/or Community Training Centers. However, notwithstanding such
retention by the DENR, the management implementation and monitoring of the
same shall be with the participation of the LGUs with the aim of strengthening the
capacity of the LGUs to manage the devolved ISF Projects. when the situation so
warrants, the DENR Secretary may finally devolve all ISF Projects to the
municipalities through MOAs with the LGUs;
(b) Establishment of new regular reforestation projects, except in areas located in
protected areas and critical watersheds;
(c) Completed family and community based contract reforestation projects whether
regularly funded or foreign funded or foreign fund subject to the policies and

procedures of the DENR , except in areas located in protected areas and critical
watersheds;
(d) Management and supervision of areas for forest lands covered by FLMAs; (e)
Community Forestry Projects; and
(f) The management, protection rehabilitation and maintenance of communal
forests and community watershed areas that are sources of local water supply.
5.2.3 The conservation of mangroves has been devolved to the municipalities.
Pursuant to RA 7161 however the cutting of mangrove species is not allowed. The
municipalities therefore should conserve the mangrove areas under the category of
protected areas status.
5.3 To the Cities
5.3.1 The functions and responsibility of implementing the forestry projects within
the territorial jurisdiction of cities are now devolved to the respective cities. These
projects are those listed above as having been devolved to the municipalities.
5.3.2 The functions and responsibility of enforcing forestry laws, rules and
regulations within community based project areas, community watershed areas and
communal forest that are located within the territorial jurisdiction of the cities are
now devolved to the respective cities. 5.4 To the Barangays
5.4.1 There are no forest management functions and responsibilities that have been
devolved to the barangays.
5.4.2 In spite of the absence of devolved forest management functions to the
barangays, barangays play important roles in protecting the forests as well as in
rehabilitating degraded forest lands within or near their territorial coverage.
5.4.3 Barangay officials may be designated or deputized by the DENR as DENROs
subject to specific rules and regulations to perform environmental functions,
including forest protection upon prior consultation with the local Chief Executives.

Section 6. Institutional Mechanisms for the Supervision and Monitoring of the DENRDILGLGU Partnership on Devolved and other Forest Management Functions
6.1 National Steering Committee There is hereby created a National Steering
Committee that shall formulate policies and programs toward strengthening and
institutionalizing the DENR-DILG-LGU partnership on devolved and other forest
management functions. The National Steering Committee shall be composed of the
Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries for Planning of the DENR and DILG, the
respective Presidents of the Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities. The
Chair and the Co-Chair of the National Steering Committee shall be the Secretaries
of the DENR and DILG, respectively.
The National Steering Committee, which shall meet at least once a year shall be
supported by a National Technical Working Group to be composed of the Directors

of Forest Management Bureau and Planning and Policy Service Office of the DENR,
and the Bureau of Local Government, Development and Supervision of the DILG
and Representatives of the Leagues of Provinces Provinces, Cities and
Municipalities.
The Forest Management Bureau shall act as the Secretariat of the National
Technical Working Group. The FMB Director shall chair the NTWG. The Secretary of
DENR shall initiate the first meeting of the National Steering Committee together
with the National Technical Working Group within thirty (30) days from the approval
of this Manual.
6.2 Regional are likewise created in the regional level Regional Steering
Committees to oversee and monitor the DENR-DILG-LGU partnership on devolved
and other forest management functions. The Regional Steering Committee shall be
composed of the Regional Executive Director of the DENR, the Regional Director of
the DILG, the RTD for Forestry of the DENR and representatives from the Regional
Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities.
The Regional Executive Director of the DENR shall initiate the first meeting of said
Regional Steering Committee. The Chair and Co-Chair of the committee shall be the
Regional Executive Director of DENR and the Regional Director of DILG, respectively.
The office of the RTD for Forestry shall serve as the Secretariat of the Regional
Steering committee.

6.3 Provincial, City and Municipal Working Groups

Provincial, City and Municipal Working Groups may also be created to monitor the
implementation of the DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership on devolved and other forest
management functions in accordance with Section 7 of this Manual.
Where there are already committees in the provincial, city and municipal levels
where the DENR and the LGUs are also members such as the Multisectoral Forest
Protection Committees (MFPCs), ENR Councils, Provincial Development Councils,
Municipal Development Councils or other similar committees, the functions of the
Steering Communities and Working Groups 7 provided above may be lodged in said
committees; Provided: a) said committees are fully apprised on this Manual and
their responsibilities in carrying out their mandates; b) said committees pass a
written resolution resolving to carry out the mandates of this Manual; c) the
monitoring of the devolved and partnership functions of the DENR and LGU is forest
management be a regular item in every meeting of the committees; and d) said
committees come up with a strategy on how to carry out the objectives of this
Manual.
The REDs of the DENR shall report to the National Steering Committee progress
along this line and recommend such other measures to effectively monitor and
evaluate the devolved forest management functions and other devolved functions.

Section 7. General Procedures In the DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership on Devolved and

Other Forest Management Activities
7.1 Strategic Planning
Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Manual, the Regional Steering
Committee shall convene provincial workshops among Governors, Mayors and their
technical assistants, PENROs and CENROs, to, among others:
a) Develop a program for information, education and communication campaigns on
this Manual.
b) Prepare a strategic plan on how to strengthen and institutionalize the DENRDILG-LGU partnership on devolved and other forest management functions. The
strategic plan shall include, among others, joint land use planing, resources
sharing, and training for LGU capacitation on forest management.
c) Creation of Working Groups composed of representatives from DENR, DILG and
LGU in the provincial, city and municipal levels to oversee the implementation of
devolved and forest management functions and the strengthening and
institutionalizing DENR- DILG-LGU partnership. At the end of the workshops, the
participants shall pass a resolution embodying the various agreements arrived at.
Said resolution, strategic plan and the National Steering Committee through the
National Technical Working Group for consideration.

7.2 Appointment or Designation of ENRO Officers

To effectively implement the devolved and partnership activities, and to fully
capacitate the LGUs in forest management activities, the concerned LGU my
appoint or designate an Environment and Natural Resources Officer.
The creation of an ENR Office in the LGUs shall also be encouraged. In areas where
the LGUs cannot yet afford to hire an ENR Officer, or is not yet ready to appoint or
designate an ENR Officer, the LGU concerned may enter into administrative
arrangement with the local DENR Office such that the latter may second to the LGU
either on a full time or part time basis one of its environmental officers who shall
act as ENRO for the LGU.
Said seconded DENR Officer shall be the acting ENRO for the LGU. The LGU shall
designate and understudy of said seconded DENR Officer

7.3 Provision of Technical Assistance

To ensure LGU capacitation in forest management and other ENR activities, the
DENR shall conduct continuous training activities for LGU officials and their
respective technical staff.
The Regional Steering Committees and the Provincial, City and Municipal Working
Groups shall prepare the necessary training designs and sources of funds for the
conduct of training. Upon request of the concerned.
7.4 Documentation of Forest Management Projects and Functions Devolved to the
LGUs
Forest management projects and functions devolved from the DENR to the LGUs
shall be fully documented. Documentation shall include among others a
Memorandum of Agreement on projects and functions devolved, personnel,
equipment and other resources so transferred from the DENR to the LGU and
acceptance of the same by the LGU.
The DENR Officer authorized to enter into MOA with the LGU on devolved forest
management functions and projects shall be as follows:
for forest areas up to 1,000 has CENRO more than 1,000 has up to 5,000 has
PENRO
more than 5,000 has up to 15,000 has RED
more than 15,000 has up to 30,000 has Undersecretary for Field Operation
more than 30,000 has Secretary
7.5 Monitoring and Evaluation The DENR and the concerned DILG office and/or LGU
shall conduct periodic monitoring of activities for the DENR-DILG-LGU partnership in
devolved and other forest management functions.
Section 8. Specific Guidelines and Procedures for the effective Implementation of
Devolved Forest Management Projects and Functions
8.1 Community Based Forest Management The Community Based Forest
Management Program (CBFMP) integrates all people-oriented forestry programs
including the Integrated Social Forestry Program (ISFP), which have been devolved
to the LGUs, Community Forestry Program (CFP), Forest Land Management Program
(FLMP), Regional Resource Management Program (RRMP), Low Income Upland
Community Program (LIUCP), Coastal Environment Program (CEP) and Ancestral
Domains/Lands Claims Management Program (ADMP). The CBFM Program shall be
strengthened through the partnership of the DENR and the LGU.
8.1.1 Existing CBFM Projects
Existing CBFM Projects shall be reviewed and assessed jointly by the PENRO,
Provincial ENRO, representatives of the concerned municipal government, and

CENRO having jurisdiction of the said CBFM Projects. The assessment/review shall
include, but not limited to the following:
(a) Inventory of all CBFM projects within the province, city or municipality;
(b) Provision by DENR to concerned LGUs of copies of pertinent records, documents,
maps and other information of all CBFM projects within the LGUs jurisdiction. In like
manner, the concerned LGUs shall update DENR on status of projects already
devolved to them;
(c) Field assessment, of each project to determine present status, major problems
and constraints;
(d) Joint formulation of action plan for each projects site in coordination with the
concerned participants, POs or communities to improve project implementation;
(e) Joint formulation or action plan for turnover by DENR of projects to concerned
LGUs, 9 including the phasing in of their respective responsibilities and resources
sharing in the management of the same;
(f) Definition of specific roles and responsibilities of DENR, LGU (provincial,
municipal/cities, barangay), Communities (or beneficiaries), and other sectors in
plan implementation ;
(g) Design and implementation of joint monitoring and evaluation system for each
CBFM project.

8.1.2 New CBFM Projects Implementation of new CBFM projects shall be undertaken
jointly by DENR and concerned communities/beneficiaries as provided for under
DENR DAO 96-29.
(a) DENR through its regional, provincial and community field offices shall consult
and coordinate with concerned provincial, municipal or city governments for their
participation in the implementation of CBFM projects in their respective territorial
jurisdiction.
(b) Formulation of action plans for CBFM that will include, among others:
1. Definition of specific roles/responsibilities of DENR and concerned LGUs
consistent with DENR DAO 96-29 and other pertinent rules and regulations;
2. Creation of teams composed of representatives from both offices to undertake
the various phases of CBFM;
3. Commitments of financial and other resources needed in CBFM implementation;
4. Monitoring and evaluation system; 5. Schedule of activities.
(c) DENR-LGUs Phase-out plan for project management.
8.2 Forest Protection

8.2.1 Forest Protection and Forest Law Enforcement The DENR and the LGUs shall
coordinate closely in forest protection and enforcement of forest laws and
regulations. There shall be created joint DENR-LGU forest protection teams in the
regional, provincial, municipal and barangay levels, DENR shall train and deputize
LGU officers as DENR officers . The DENR shall not release any forest product, tool,
equipment and other conveyance seized during forest law enforcement operations
without the recommendation of the concerned LGU. The disposition of forest
products shall likewise jointly done by the DENR and the LGU.
8.2.2 Strengthening of the Multisectoral Forest Protection Committees The various
Multisectoral Forest Protection Committees (MFPCs) duly organized shall be
strengthened. their participation in the enforcement of forest laws shall be
enjoined. The DENR shall continuously train the members of the forest protection
teams and MFPCs on the various aspects of forest law enforcement to maximize
and make effective their participation in forest protection and law enforcement .
8.3 Reforestation Reforestation projects such as new reforestation projects and
completed family and communitybased contract reforestation project and regular
reforestation projects may be devolved to the LGUs. Such devolution shall be
effected by a MOA between the DENR and the concerned LGU.
8.4 Communal Forest
8.4.1 Existing Communal Forest The devolution to and management of the
communal forest by the city and municipal governments shall be governed by the
following general procedures:
(a) DENR, through its CENRO, and the concerned LGU shall undertake the actual
identification and assessment of existing communal forests. The assessment shall
determine the suitability of the existing communal forests. If these are no longer
suitable, then these communal forests may be disestablished. The Approval for
disestablishment shall be by the RED upon recommendation of the DENR-LGU
assessment Team through the PENRO and the RTD for Forestry;
(b) Existing communal forest which are found and recommended by the DENR-LGU
Assessment Team as still suitable to achieve their purpose shall be maintained as
such. Thereafter, the Sangguniang Panglungsod or Sangguniang Bayan where the
communal forest is located shall pass resolution requesting the DENR Secretary for
the turnover of said communal forest to the city or municipality. Upon receipt of
said resolution, the DENR Secretary shall issue an Administrative Order officially
transferring said communal forest to the concerned LGU. The DENR RED shall effect
the official transfer to the concerned LGU within fifteen (15) days from the issuance
of the administrative order;
(c) Within twelve months form the issuance of the Administrative Order and
turnover of said communal forest to the city or municipality, the LGU to which the
communal forest was transferred shall formulate and submit to the Provincial ENR
Council for approval a management plan governing the sustainable development of
the communal forest. For the purpose of formulating the communal forest

management plan, DENR shall, in coordination with the concerned LGU, undertake
a forest resource inventory and determine the sustainable level of forest resource
utilization and provide the LGU technical assistance in all facets of forest
management planning to ensure sustainable development. The management plan
should include provision for replanting by the communities and the LGUs of the
communal forests to ensure sustainability.
8.4.2 Establishment of New Communal Forest The establishment of new communal
forests shall be governed by the following guidelines:
(a) DENR, through its CENRO, together with the concerned city/municipal LGU shall
jointly identify potential communal forest areas within the geographic jurisdiction of
the concerned city/municipality.
(b) Communal forests to be established shall be identified through a forest land use
planning to be undertaken jointly between the DENR and the concerned LGU. The
ensuing forest land use plan shall indicate, among others, the site and location of
the communal forests within the production forest categorized as such in the forest
land use plan;
(c) Once the forest land use plan has been affirmed, the the local chief executive
shall initiate the passage by the LGUs sanggunian of a resolution requesting the
DENR Secretary to issue an Administrative Order declaring the identified area as a
communal forest. The required administrative order shall be issued within sixty (60)
days after receipt of the resolution; 11
(d) Upon acceptance of the responsibility for the communal forest, the
city/municipal LGU shall formulate the management plan and submit the same to
its ENR Council. The management plan shall include provision for replanting by the
communities and the LGUs of the communal forests to ensure sustainability. The
communal forests of each municipality shall in no case exceed a total of 5,000
hectares.

8.5 Establishment and Management of Community Watershed Areas

8.5.1 Identification and Establishment of Community Watersheds Pursuant to Sec.
447 (a) (5) (i) of RA 7160 mandating the Sangguniang Bayan to provide for the
establishment, maintenance, protection an conservation of watersheds in their
respective areas as sources of water supply for specific communities, the following
guidelines shall be followed:
(a) DENR, through its CENRO, together with the city/municipal LGU shall identify
potential watershed areas in the city or municipal territorial jurisdiction that can be
sources of water supply for specific communities:
(b) Community Watershed Areas to be established shall be identified through a
forest land use planning to be undertaken jointly by the DENR and the concerned
LGU. The Forest land use plan shall indicate, among others, the site and location of
the Community watershed;

(c) Once the forest land use plan has been completed, the local chief executive
shall initiate the passage by the LGUs sanggunian of a resolution requesting the
DENR Secretary to issue an Administrative Order declaring the identified area as
Community Watershed as sources of water supply for specific communities. The
required administrative order shall be issued within sixty (60) days after receipt of
the resolution; Where there are already existing springs in forests areas in the
municipalities being used as water sources by the communities, the community and
the LGU shall initiate the passage of the Sangguniang Bayan resolution requesting
the DENR Secretary to issue the necessary administrative order;
(d) Upon acceptance of the responsibility for the community watershed the local
chief executive, in consultation with the ENR Council will prepare the Management
Plan. Such plan shall be submitted to the Sangguniang Bayan for approval; For
purpose of formulating the community watershed management plan, the DENR
shall, in coordination with the concerned LGU, undertake a forest resource
inventory and determine the sustainable level of forest and water utilization and
provide the LGU technical and other assistance in all aspects of forest management
planning to ensure sustainable development.

8.6 Establishment and Management of Forest or Tree parks, Greenbelts and other
Tourist Attractions Pursuant to the mandate of RA 7160 requiring cities and
municipalities to provide for the establishment, maintenance, protection, and
conservation of tree parks, greenbelts, mangroves and similar forest development
projects, the procedures laid down under Sections 8.4 and 8.5 shall be followed
where the forest park, tree park, greenbelt and other tourist attraction fall within
forest lands. Section 9. Expanded DENR-LGU Partnership on Forest Management
Activities 9.1 Forest land Use Planning 12 DENR and the concerned LGU shall jointly
undertake forest land use planning, the output of which shall become an integral
part of the concerned LGUs comprehensive land use plan. For purpose of this
Manual, the following general procedures shall be followed:
(a) DENR Central Office shall issue an order directing the REDs to organize within
sixty (60) days from issuance thereof, Forest Land Use Planning (FLUP) teams at the
provincial, city and municipal levels in coordination with the concerned local chief
executives. Corollarily, the concerned local chief executives shall issue the
appropriate orders for their LGUs participation in the FLUP;
(b) The FLUP Teams shall organize their work and undertake FLUP within twelve
(12) months from their organization;
(c) The FLUPs thus formulated shall be submitted to the LGUs Sanggunian for
endorsement/approval and incorporation of the same to the LGUs comprehensive
land use plan; The Land Evaluation Parties of the DENR Regional Offices shall
provide technical assistance to the FLUP teams.
9.2 Joint DENR-LGU Annual Planning and Budgeting for Forest Management

The DENR shall involve the participation of the LGUs in the formulation of annual
plans and budgets pertaining to forest management. The LGU shall likewise involve
the participation of the DENR in the preparation of its annual plan particularly in the
area of forest management.
9.3 Issuance of Licenses and Permits To Further Strengthen DENR-LGU partnership
pursuant to the pertinent provisions of RA 7160, henceforth the issuance by the
DENR of tenurial instruments in forest lands and for forest products utilization shall
be in coordination with the LGUs as follows:
9.3.1 Approval of Operations Plan of Timber License Agreements
The concerned LGU (province, city or municipality) shall sit in the committee
created by DENR to deliberate said operations plan. The comments of the LGU in
the committees deliberations shall be recommmendatory to the DENR.
9.3.2 Other Tenurial Instruments
After the applicant has submitted his application papers to the DENR, the DENR
shall notify the LGU (province, city or municipality) of said pending application to
solicit the comments of said LGU. The comments made by the LGU shall be
advisory to the DENR for the latters final action on the application.
Section 10. Funding
10.1 Inclusion in DENR Annual Budget and Work Plan
The DENR shall incorporate in its annual appropriations the budgetary requirements
for the undertaking the tasks under this circular.
10.2 Inclusion In LGUs' Budget
The LGUs shall endeavor to provide resources to effectively carry out the mandates
of this circular.
10.3 Other Assistance to the LGUs DENR and DILG, in coordination with other
concerned government agencies, shall provide assistance to the local government
units in seeking technical and financial assistance from other sources in
implementing the tasks under this Circular whenever such assistance is sought by
the local government units.
Section 11. Repealing Clause Any provision of DENR and DILG Administrative
Orders, Memorandum Circulars or other issuances not consistent herewith are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 12. Effectivity This joint Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

3. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 26

Signed on February 24, 2011

MALACAAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 26
DECLARING AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL CONVERGENCE INITIATIVE FOR
A NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM
WHEREAS, poverty reduction, resource conservation and protection,
productivity enhancement, climate change mitigation and adaptation, are
among the priority programs of the government;
WHEREAS, there is a need to consolidate and harmonize all greening efforts
such as Upland Development Program, Luntiang Pilipinas and similar
initiatives of the government, civil society and private sector under a
National Greening Program;
WHEREAS, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is
the primary agency responsible for the conservation, management,
development and proper use of the countrys environmental and natural
resources;
WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is the lead agency to boost
farmers income and reduce poverty in the rural sector;
WHEREAS, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is the lead agency in
the implementation of agrarian reform and sustainable rural development
programs;
WHEREAS, the DA, DENR, DAR pursuant to Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1
series 2010 have adopted a Convergence Initiative to integrate and
strengthen development framework between and among national
government, local government agencies and other stakeholders, wherein
complementary human, physical and financial resources are efficiently and
effectively deployed;
WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 23 series 2011 has mandated the DA-DARDENR Convergence Initiative to develop a National Greening Program in
cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on

Higher Education (CHED), Department of Social Welfare and Development

(DSWD), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), private sector and
other concerned agencies and institutions.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order and
declare the implementation of a National Greening Program (NGP) as a
government priority.
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to pursue
sustainable development for poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity
conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Section 2. Coverage. The National Greening Program shall plant some 1.5
Billion trees covering about 1.5 Million hectares for a period of six (6) years
from 2011 to 2016, in the following lands of the public domain:
2.1 Forestlands
2.2 Mangrove and protected areas
2.3 Ancestral domains
2.4 Civil and military reservations
2.5 Urban areas under the greening plan of the LGUs
2.6 Inactive and abandoned mine sites; and
2.7 Other suitable lands
All other greening efforts of the private sector and civil society shall be
harmonized under the NGP.
Section 3. Strategies. In order to ensure the successful implementation of
the NGP, the following strategies shall be adopted:
3.1 Social Mobilization
3.1.1 All students, identified by the DepEd and CHED and all government
employees shall be individually required to plant a minimum of ten (10)
seedlings per year in areas determined by the Convergence Initiative. Private
sectors and civil society groups shall likewise be encouraged to participate in
the NGP.

3.1.2 With appropriate assistance from the government and the private
sector, the Peoples Organizations (POs) shall be given the primary
responsibility of maintaining and protecting the established plantations.
3.2 Harmonization of Initiatives
3.2.1 All tree planting initiatives such as the Upland Development Program,
Luntiang Pilipinas and similar activities of the government, private sector,
LGUs and the civil society shall be harmonized under the NGP.
3.2.2 All government institutions, especially DA, DAR, DENR, CHED and
DepEd shall produce appropriate quality seedlings annually for the NGP.
Technical assistance shall be provided by DA, DENR, and DAR under the
Convergence Initiative.
3.3 Provision of Incentives
3.3.1 All proceeds from agroforestry plantations, duly accounted by the
DENR, shall accrue to the NGP beneficiary communities to address food
security and poverty reduction.
3.3.2 NGP beneficiary communities shall be considered priority in the
Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program.
3.3.3 Appropriate incentives shall be developed by the Convergence
Initiative to encourage rainforestation, particularly in the protected area.
3.4 Monitoring and Management of Database
3.4.1 The DA, DAR, DENR, shall develop a centralized database and provide
regular monitoring and timely report on the progress of the NGP.
3.4.2 The Convergence Initiative shall engage the private sector, civil society
and academe in the monitoring and evaluation of the NGP.
Section 4. Oversight Committee and Lead Agency. The members of the
Steering Committee under the DA-DAR-DENR Convergence Initiative shall
constitute the NGP Oversight Committee, to be chaired by the DENR. The
DENR shall be the lead agency for the NGP.
Section 5. Partner Agencies/Stakeholders. The NGP shall be
implemented in partnership with the following agencies/stakeholders, whose
responsibilities shall include but not limited to the following:
5.1 DA-DAR-DENR

5.1.1 Nursery establishment and seedling production

5.1.2 Site identification and site preparation
5.1.3 Social mobilization
5.1.4 Tree planting
5.1.5 Monitoring and evaluation
5.1.6 Technical support and extension services
5.1.7 Provision of certified seeds of agronomic crops
5.1.8 Provision of access roads and trails to planting site
5.1.9 Provision of post harvest and processing facilities
5.1.10 Technical assistance in product development and marketing
5.2 Department of
Education (CHED)

Education

(DepEd)/

Commission

on

Higher

5.2.1 Student mobilization

5.2.2 Nursery establishment, seedling production and tree planting
5.2.3 Information, Education and Communication
5.2.4 Provision of extension services
5.2.5 Monitoring and evaluation
5.3 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
5.3.1 Provision of Conditional Cash Transfer to NGP beneficiaries
5.3.2 Social mobilization
5.4 Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
5.4.1 Allocation of funds for all activities of the NGP
5.5 Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
5.5.1 Provision of transportation, security and fire protection amenities

5.5.2 Information, Education and Communication

5.6 Local Government Units (LGUs)
5.6.1 Establishment of nurseries and production of planting materials
5.6.2 Development of greening

plan

for urban

and suburban areas

5.6.3 Lead the establishment of communal tree farms for firewood and other
domestic uses
5.6.4 Construction of access roads and trails to the planting sites
5.6.5 Provision of medical support
5.6.6 Technical assistance and extension of services
5.7 Department of Health (DOH)
5.7.1 Provision of transportation and medical support
5.8 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
5.8.1 Provision of transportation in the hauling of seedlings and volunteer
planters
5.8.2 Assistance in the construction of access roads and trails to the planting
sites
5.9 Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
5.9.1 Provision of transport for participants
5.9.2 Provision of communication facilities
5.10 Department of National Defense (DND)
5.10.1 Nursery establishment and seedling production
5.10.2 Site preparation
5.10.3 Provision of transportation support
5.10.4 Provision of security
5.11 Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

5.11.1 Development and transfer of appropriate technologies

5.11.2 Information, Education and Communication
5.12 Department of Justice (DOJ)
5.12.1 Nursery establishment and production of planting materials
5.12.2 Provision of transportation
5.13 National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
5.13.1 Mobilization of participation of indigenous peoples
5.13.2 Identification of sites for NGP inside ancestral domains
5.13.3 Supervision of forest protection activities inside ancestral domains
5.14 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
5.14.1 Technical assistance in products development
5.15 Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)
5.15.1 Provision of funds for seedling production and other related activities
of the NGP
5.16 All
other
government
agencies,
instrumentalities,
including
government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities
and colleges (SUCs), shall provide full support and assistance to the NGP.
Section 6. Implementing Guidelines. All participating agencies/
institutions, within fifteen (15) days from the date of this Executive Order,
shall issue their respective guidelines to implement the NGP, copy furnished
the NGP Oversight Committee.
Section 7. Funding Mechanisms. Funds needed for the implementation of
the NGP for the current year shall be provided by the DBM and funding for
the succeeding years shall be incorporated in the regular appropriation of
participating agencies.
Section 8. Separability Clause. Any portion or provision of this Executive
Order that maybe declared unconstitutional shall not have the effect of
nullifying other provisions hereof, as long as such remaining portions can still
subsist and can be given effect in their entirety.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. All rules and regulations and other issuances
or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Executive Order, are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 10. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately
upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 24th day of February, in the year of our Lord,
Two Thousand and Eleven.
(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines
By the President:

VICTOR O. RAMOS
Secretary,

4. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 193

Signed on November 12, 2015

MALACAAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 193
EXPANDING THE COVERAGE OF THE NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Section 16, Article II of the Constitution provides that the State
shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature;
WHEREAS, Executive Order (EO) No. 26 (s. 2011) or the National Greening
Program was implemented as a government priority program to reduce
poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity
conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation;

WHEREAS, in its Global Forest Resources Assessment for CY 2015, the Food
and Agriculture Organization ranked the Philippines as 5 th worldwide in the
greatest forest area gain from 2010 to 2015;
WHEREAS, with the threat of climate change, forests and forestry remain as
the carbon sink that could sustain the industrial development and economic
growth of the country;
WHEREAS, there is still an estimated 7.1 million hectares of unproductive,
denuded and degraded forestlands which contribute to environment-related
risks such as soil erosion, landslides, and flooding;
WHEREAS, in order to accelerate the rehabilitation and reforestation of
these unproductive, denuded and degraded areas, the Government shall
involve the participation and investment of the private sector with a view
towards enabling private companies to achieve carbon neutrality; and
WHEREAS, consistent with the updated Master Plan for Forestry
Development (2016 2028), there is a need to harmonize all forest
development activities that will encourage and enhance development of
forest plantations including forest parks, with greater participation from the
private sector, local government units and organized upland communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:
SECTION 1. Expanded National Greening Program. The coverage of the
National Greening Program is hereby expanded to cover all the remaining
unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands and its period of
implementation is likewise extended from 2016 to 2028.
All sectors, particularly the private sector, are encouraged to actively
participate in the Expanded National Greening Program.
SECTION 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is hereby directed to issue the
appropriate rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the effectivity
of this Order.
SECTION 3. Funding. The funding necessary for the implementation of this
Order shall be charged against the current appropriation of the DENR.
Subsequent funding requirements shall be incorporated in the annual budget
proposal of the DENR through the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 4. Separability. If any provision of this Order be declared invalid

or unconstitutional, the other provisions unaffected thereby shall remain
valid and subsisting.
SECTION 5. Repeal. All orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, or parts
thereof, which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Order are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 6. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect immediately.
DONE, in the City of Manila, this 12th day of November, in the year of Our
Lord, Two Thousand and Fifteen.
(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
Executive Secretary
Source: Malacaang Records Office
Office of the President of the Philippines. (2015). [Executive Order]. Manila :
Malacaang Records Office.
Learning event on environmental laws

The said event was conducted on September 1, 2016 at Baculungan Sur, Buguias, Benguet
in coordination with the Barangay Officials. The four (4) Barangays converged particularly
Baculungan Sur, Norte, Sebbang and Catlubong all in Buguias and participated by the
Punong Barangays, Barangay Councils, Barangay Patrol Action Team (BPAT), IPs/ICCs and
other Stakeholders.
The Learning Event was geared towards Forest Conservation, Protection and Enforcement of
the various Environmental Laws, Rules and Regulations. The lecture started with Executive
Order No. 23 which is Declaring a Moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in
the natural and residual forests and creating the Anti-illegal Logging Task Force which was
discussed by Forester Benny Pesnek, the Forest Protection Officer of CENRO Buguias.
The Forest Utilization Officer, Forester Frederick Dacquigan lectured on the Chainsaw Act
and the requirements for securing permits when cutting within Alienable and Disposable
Lands, transporting lumbers from dismantled house/ minor forest products such as bamboo
poles.

The Joint Memorandum Circular 98-01 which is the Manual of Procedures for the DENRDILG-LGU partnership on devolved and other forest management function was tackled by
Forester Leonora S. Garcia and the Presidential Decree 705 (PD 705) otherwise known as
the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines and the final output of this information drive
was the forging of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the concerned Barangays to help
in the implementation for these forestry laws, rules and regulations was discussed and
facilitated by Forester Bartolome D. Dulinen, Chief, Technical Division of the Provincial
Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Benguet.
Also in the learning event was the titling of lands that included Free Patent Applications,
Residential Free Patent Applications and titling of Government-owned properties was
imparted by LMO II Samson Guillermo.
Forester Denver Atompag, the NGP Coordinator of CENRO Buguias lectured on Executive
Order No. 26 which is Declaring the Implementation of the National Greening Greening
Program (NGP) as a Government Priority. He emphasized that eligible for the program are
registered Peoples Organizations with prospective forestland area of 50 hectares and
above. He also informed that the NGP is expanded until 2028 through Executive Order 193
signed by the then Ex-President Benigno S. Aquino III.
The comprehensive learning event was inter-active during the open forum that enlightened
the participants on the DENR programs as a whole. |CENRO Buguias

DENR EPIMACO A. VELASCO Secretary, DILG