Question & AnswerQ&A (LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 1260)
The Ministry of Natural Resources is primarily responsible for implementing PROFEM II, including identifying kaingin areas and processing leasehold papers as required by law.
The Ministry of Agrarian Reform determines the conditions of kaingineros and similar occupants deserving government assistance, motivates them to support PROFEM II, helps organize viable family-size agro-forest landholdings, assists in identifying suitable kaingin areas, and prevents feudal systems of tenure in forest lands.
The Ministry of Justice is tasked to provide legal assistance to kaingineros, other forest land occupants, and participants of PROFEM II without prejudice to assistance extended by other agencies.
The Ministry of Education and Culture conducts non-formal education classes emphasizing agro-forestry techniques, sewing, food preparation/processing, and similar trades and crafts to support community development.
The Ministry of Health establishes health facilities in the communities and trains residents on health, nutrition, and sanitation.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has the authority to grant long-term stewardship contracts on economic-sized family landholdings to deserving kaingineros and forest occupants as a form of security of tenure.
Priority is given to kaingineros and other forest land occupants who have been occupying their lands before December 31, 1981, as well as to deserving landless farmers, tillers, and rural workers applying for participation.
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), together with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Agrarian Reform, and Ministry of Local Government, is responsible for conducting the census of all forest occupants.
The committee composed of heads of concerned ministries is formed to plan and coordinate all activities necessary for the effective and vigorous implementation of PROFEM II.
The Ministry of Public Works and Highways is responsible for providing the necessary infrastructure and facilities to implement the PROFEM II program.
The Ministry of Social Services and Development provides and administers social welfare programs and activities in kaingin and other forest communities.
Areas that are too steep for ecological and economically sound development shall not be subject to the PROFEM II program.