QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 331)
The main objective of Presidential Decree No. 331 is to require that all public forests in the Philippines be developed, managed, and utilized on a sustained yield basis with the benefit of technical forestry know-how of registered foresters, ensuring their perpetuity for the benefit of all Filipinos.
Holders of timber licenses, leases, and/or permits are required to employ and/or engage the services of registered foresters.
They are required to establish and maintain their own forestry department under the supervision of registered foresters. These departments must collaborate with government forestry officials in preparing and implementing forest management plans, supervising selective logging, and implementing forestry policies.
All documents on technical forestry matters prepared and submitted by a registered forester must bear his signature and seal.
The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources is responsible for promulgating the rules and regulations for effective implementation, upon recommendation of the Director of the Bureau of Forest Development and the Chairman of the Foresters Board of the Professional Regulations Commission.
Failure to comply results in the immediate cancellation of the license, lease, or permit, confiscation of bond, and permanent disqualification from acquiring another similar license, lease, or permit.
Sustained yield basis means managing and utilizing forest resources in a way that ensures ongoing productivity and regeneration, so the forests remain productive and useful for present and future generations.
Republic Act No. 6239 is referenced, which professionalized the practice of forestry and provided the needed expertise for safeguarding public interest in forest development and utilization.
Registered foresters provide the technical forestry know-how, supervise forestry departments, ensure compliance with silvicultural systems, and authenticate technical forestry documents with their signature and seal.
PD No. 331 took effect immediately upon its signing on November 8, 1973.