QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 193)
It cites Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution: the State shall protect and advance the right to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. EO 193 is framed as a government action to fulfill this constitutional ecological mandate through reforestation/rehabilitation of forestlands.
EO 193 references Executive Order No. 26 (s. 2011), described as the “National Greening Program,” which aims to reduce poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.
It expands coverage to all the remaining unproductive, denuded, and degraded forestlands.
It extended the program’s implementation period from 2016 to 2028.
It states that funding necessary for implementation shall be charged against the current appropriation of the DENR.
Subsequent funding requirements shall be incorporated in the annual budget proposal of the DENR through the General Appropriations Act.
EO 193 encourages all sectors, particularly the private sector, to participate actively. It also notes the view of enabling private companies to achieve carbon neutrality through rehabilitation and reforestation.
It mentions local government units (LGUs) and organized upland communities, alongside the private sector.
EO 193 references the updated Master Plan for Forestry Development (2016–2028). It uses this as the basis to harmonize forest development activities that encourage forest plantation development, including forest parks.
It associates these degraded forestlands with environment-related risks such as soil erosion, landslides, and flooding.
It states that forests and forestry remain the carbon sink that could sustain industrial development and economic growth by supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation.
It estimates approximately 7.1 million hectares of unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands.
If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions unaffected remain valid and subsisting.
It repeals or modifies all orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with EO 193.
It takes effect immediately upon issuance. Legally, this means obligations and deadlines (including the 60-day IRR period) start running from effectivity, subject to publication/effectivity rules under applicable law and the text of the EO.