The Sustainable Forest Management Law (Executive Order No. 318): Formulation of its Implementing Rules and Regulations

P.C. Dolom; L.A. Bugayong; M.C.S. Casin; M.M.B. Villanueva; N.L. Tolentino; F.B.  Pulhin; H.L.L. Capinpin; L.A. Donosa; B.C. Aguilon; J.C. Nicmic; J.F. Castillo; M.K. Buot; R.V.C. Cabrera; Ecosystems and Development Journal

P.C. Dolom Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
L.A. Bugayong Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
M.C.S. Casin Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
M.M.B. Villanueva Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
N.L. Tolentino Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
F.B. Pulhin Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
H.L.L. Capinpin Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
L.A. Donosa Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
B.C. Aguilon Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
J.C. Nicmic Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
J.F. Castillo Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
M.K. Buot Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
R.V.C. Cabrera Forestry Development Center, CFNR, UPLB
Ecosystems and Development Journal

Abstract

The EO 318 of 2004 (Promoting Sustainable Forest Management in the Philippines) has been in existence for 13 years but it still has no implementing rules and regulations (IRR). The formulation of its IRR has become more urgent as the country continues to face challenges in the development and sustainable management of its forest resources. The project aimed to formulate, and advocate for IRR of EO 318. A series of writeshops were conducted in the drafting of the IRR before it was presented in three regional (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao) and one national consultations to elicit issues, comments, and recommendations from the stakeholders for its refinement. The draft IRR is contained in a draft Administrative Order to be signed by the DENR Secretary. It has nine articles, six of which correspond to the six guiding principles in EO 318 namely, delineation, classification, and demarcation of forestlands; holistic, sustainable and integrated development of forestry resources; community-based forest conservation and development; incentives for enhancing private investments, economic contribution and global competitiveness of forest-based industries; proper valuation and pricing of forestry resources and financing SFM; and institutional support for SFM . This Order has a 35 sections. The final draft IRR that was submitted to FMB-DENR is in the form of a draft DENR Administrative Order (DAO) that will be signed by the DENR Secretary.