Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 23)
'Natural and Residual Forests' are defined as forests composed of indigenous trees that were not planted by man.
The issuance of logging contracts/agreements in natural and residual forests, the issuance or renewal of tree cutting permits in these forests (except for specific allowed activities like road clearing, site preparation for plantations, and cultural practices under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act), and logging activities in natural or residual forests are prohibited.
Tree cutting is allowed for clearing road rights of way by the DPWH, site preparation for tree plantations, silvicultural treatment, and cultural practices in compliance with the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, provided logs are turned over to the DENR for proper disposal.
The DENR is mandated to review and evaluate all existing Integrated Forest Management Agreements (IFMAs), Socialized Integrated Forest Management Agreements (SIFMAs), Community-Based Forest Management Agreements (CBFMAs), and other forestry agreements, and immediately terminate or cancel those that have violated their terms, conditions, or forest laws at least twice, or if the holders engage or abet illegal logging.
The Task Force is responsible for leading the anti-illegal logging campaign, ensuring the moratorium's implementation, and assisting the DENR in enforcing environmental laws.
The Task Force is chaired by the DENR Secretary or their authorized representative and includes the Secretaries of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of National Defense, the Chief of the Philippine National Police, and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or their authorized representatives.
The National Greening Program is a DA-DENR-DAR Convergence Initiative that aims at poverty reduction, food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation through reforestation efforts involving government agencies, the private sector, and educational institutions.
They will be closed and prohibited from operating for at least five years starting one month after the Executive Order’s effectivity.
The Department of Budget and Management provides an initial budget of Ten Million Pesos (₱10,000,000) sourced from government funds, with further releases subject to the President’s approval.