Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 98-45)
The basic policy promotes social justice and equitable access to forest lands and resources, recognizing individual property rights to encourage private investments, promote socio-economic upliftment, and enhance active participation in CBFM activities.
Qualified recipients must be Filipino citizens, of legal age, actual tillers or cultivators of the land, members of the People’s Organization granted a CBFM area, willing to develop the land and participate in community-based forest management activities, and must not be previous holders of CS cancelled for cause.
The PO conducts a census of forest occupants, validates census results, decides on recommending issuance of individual CS to qualified members, agrees on CS holder rights and responsibilities, and endorses the request for issuance of CS to DENR.
No, the Stewardship Agreement need not be notarized.
Yes, the CS may be transferred or sold if the transferee meets qualifications, the land is at least 50% developed, original agreement terms remain effective, transfer is endorsed by PO and notarized, and the total stewardship area does not exceed 10 hectares.
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) approves the issuance and transfer after recommendation by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) and endorsement by the PO.
They shall be cancelled, and a new CS and Stewardship Agreement prepared in favor of the transferee.
CS holders are responsible for the development, management, and protection of their land in accordance with the Community Resource Management Framework and for marking distinct and permanent boundaries of their CS area.
It amends Administrative Order No. 4, series of 1991 and all other orders, circulars, guidelines, and procedures inconsistent with its provisions regarding the issuance and transfer of CS.