Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR-DILG JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2003-01)
The main purpose is to strengthen and institutionalize the partnership among DENR, DILG, and LGUs in managing forestland resources through collaboration, to improve environmental health, socio-economic conditions of upland communities, biodiversity conservation, and resource security.
Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991.
The NSC is tasked to formulate policies and programs, establish linkages with sectors and agencies, and institutionalize the DENR-DILG-LGU partnership on forest management.
The Regional Executive Director of DENR and the DILG Regional Director in collaboration.
The MOA must specify the roles, functions, internal rules of business, composition of the Technical Working Group, and commitments of the involved parties.
One technical priority is the identification, delineation, and establishment of communal forests, community watersheds, greenbelts, tree parks, reforestation areas, and other co-management areas.
The Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) signs the MOA for forest areas up to 1,000 hectares.
The DENR must submit the application to the concerned LGUs for comments, and the LGUs have 15 days to respond; failure to comment will be presumed as endorsement.
The permit or instrument issued shall be subject to review and all activities suspended until LGU comments are received; responsible DENR officers may face administrative sanctions.
LGU officials can be deputized as Special Environment and Natural Resources Officers, allowing them to assist in law implementation with appropriate training and accountability.