Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 18)
The unauthorized cutting within forest lands of certain edible fruit-bearing trees/shrubs for timber or firewood is prohibited pursuant to Act No. 2812.
Trees like Eugenia Spp. (Tampoy, Makopa, Yambu), Euphoria didyema (Alupag), Mangosteen, Pili, Balobo, Bulala, Kamagong or Mabolo, Guava or Bayabas, Durian, and others whose fruits can be used as food for humans and wildlife are protected.
Yes, but only if authorized under a Private Land Timber Permit (PLTP), the land is not within a logging ban or moratorium area, all requirements are met, and with a certificate from the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representative.
The transport or shipment must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin or Verification as required under DAO No. 07, Series of 1994, together with other required documents.
The DENR Regional Executive Director (RED) is authorized to enter into agreements with the Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture for this purpose.
The objectives include protecting the environment and ecosystem balance, providing edible fruits for people and wildlife, and curtailing unauthorized cutting of edible fruit-bearing trees.
Cutting, gathering, and utilization may be allowed if in accordance with the approved Integrated Annual Operations Plan or the Comprehensive Management and Development Plan.
Violations are penalized in accordance with existing forestry laws, rules, and regulations.
Cutting, destroying, damaging, or injuring naturally growing or planted trees or vegetation along roads in land subdivisions is prohibited unless authorized by a permit from the Secretary or authorized representative.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation.