Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1768)
The primary purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1768 is to establish agro-forest reserves within the Agusan Valley for the implementation of the nationwide coconut replanting program using precocious high-yielding hybrid seednuts and to support forest renewal and socio-economic development.
The withdrawal of denuded, logged-over, and inadequately stocked forest lands was ordered under the exercise of the Presidential prerogative provided by Article XVII, Section 12 of the Constitution, and Section 20 of PD No. 705, the Revised Forestry Code.
The areas withdrawn and declared as agro-forest reserves are denuded, logged-over, and inadequately stocked areas located within the timber concessions of Liberty Forest, Inc., CVC Forest Industries, Ago Timber Corporation, and CBL Timber Corporation in the province of Agusan del Sur.
The PCA is authorized to enter into agro-forest lease agreements for the development of the designated areas with coconut farmers or qualified entities for a term of 25 years or longer, renewable for another 25 years, subject to the approval of the President/Prime Minister.
The agro-forest reserves may be planted to hybrid coconut seednuts, other agro-forest products, tree crops, and forest plants.
Coconut farmers acting through the Coconut Industry Investment Fund and/or the Coconut Industry Development Fund, as well as persons or entities who have availed of provisions under Republic Act No. 926, including owners of landed estates acquired by the Government but not fully compensated, may avail of the benefits under this Decree.
The Ministry of Public Highways is tasked to include the construction and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads and bridges in its program for the development of the areas and extend assistance to the PCA to support socio-economic and resettlement thrusts.
Yes, persons and entities qualified under this Decree and their agreements are excepted from existing laws that may otherwise disqualify them or render such agreements invalid.
If any provision is held invalid, the other provisions of the Decree shall continue to be operative.
The Decree took effect immediately upon its signing on January 12, 1981.