QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 6239)
RA 6239 defines practicing forestry as performing (for profit or not) services such as scientific conservation and management of forests; forestry consultation, investigation, planning, and implementation of management plans for forest and national park areas; determining suitability of public forest land for pasture or agricultural use; logging, forest reconnaissance, and timber estimates; scaling and grading of logs and lumber; identification of woods and other forestry products; administration/management/supervision of forest plantation and tree farm leases within public forests; protection and conservation of game and wildlife; preparation and implementation of reforestation and afforestation plans; supervision of forestry activity requiring forestry principles; and other related activities for forest protection, silviculture, and ecological balance.
Persons who have at least three (3) years practical experience in forestry or who completed at least two (2) years of the Forestry Course may be employed to perform the enumerated forestry services under the supervision of a forester, who remains responsible for the satisfactory completion of their work.
A forester is a natural person duly registered with the Board of Examiners who is either (1) duly qualified and exempt from taking the board examination, or (2) who passed the Forestry Board Examination.
The Board consists of three (3) foresters, chosen from a list of six (6) nominees recommended by the National Society of Filipino Foresters, and appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
Members hold office for three (3) years. For the first Board, one member holds office for one (1) year, one for two (2) years, and one for three (3) years to create staggered terms.
A Board member may be removed by the President for neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice, or unprofessional/unethical/immoral/dishonorable conduct, but only after being given the opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative investigation subject to civil service procedure and regulations. During investigation, the President may suspend the member and appoint a temporary member, but suspension cannot last more than sixty (60) days.
Vacancies are filled only for the unexpired term. No Board member may be reappointed after serving a full term of three (3) years.
The Board may administer oaths; issue and revoke certificates of registration; investigate malpractice/unethical practices and violations; conduct hearings with subpoena and subpoena duces tecum; determine whether forestry educational institutions conform to accepted standards through inspections; endorse a Code of Ethics and a Code of Forestry Practices for approval by the Office of the President upon recommendation by the National Society of Filipino Foresters; and perform other duties for maintaining scientific, ethical, and technological standards of the profession.
The Board designates area specialists to formulate questions and rate examination papers under the Board’s administrative supervision. The Board is responsible for their professional competence and ensures their identities are not revealed. Area specialists must be qualified foresters and must not be connected directly or indirectly with any forestry educational institution at the time of designation and during their service as area specialists.
A Board member must be: (1) a natural-born citizen of the Philippines with good moral character; (2) at least a B.S. Forestry degree or equivalent in forestry; (3) engaged in the practice of forestry for at least ten (10) years; and (4) not connected directly or indirectly with any educational institution offering forestry courses.
No Board member may accept employment or become connected with any forestry educational institution for six (6) months after his term.
The Commissioner of Civil Service provides the Secretariat needed by the Board, under the Board’s direct supervision and control. The Commissioner also provides adequate office space and facilities and gives full support and cooperation to the Board.
No person may practice or offer to practice forestry in the Philippines unless he has a valid certificate of registration as forester issued by the Board.
Under Section 12, except as provided in Section 16 (exemptions), all applicants must pass a technical examination. Examinations are held at times, dates, and places determined by the Board, and the Board prescribes the subjects and methods (Sections 13-14).
Applicants must: be at least 21 years old; be a citizen of the Philippines; have good reputation and good moral character; and be graduates of a four-year forestry course (or equivalent) from an educational institution in the Philippines or abroad.
Those qualified under Section 16 (exempt from examination) and successful examinees must take a professional oath before the Board or other authorized government officials administering oaths prior to the issuance of the certificate of registration.
Exempt from examination are: (1) holders of B.S. Forestry or equivalent or higher forestry degrees, provided they have at least ten (10) years experience in technical forestry work (government/private forestry enterprise or both) or have passed a civil service examination for foresters; and (2) forestry experts from other countries called by the Philippine Government for consultation, provided they qualified in appropriate forestry examinations in their countries or, if no forestry examinations exist, their expertise is certified by the proper Philippine diplomatic or consular representative; and (3) forestry experts from other countries under contract with local private forestry enterprises, under the same qualification/certification condition.
Willful violation is punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred pesos (₱500). If a person gives false testimony or submits falsified evidence to obtain a certificate or in hearings, he is penalized under the Revised Penal Code for falsification or perjury. The Board may revoke a certificate of registration for malpractice or unethical conduct subject to civil service procedures and regulations. The law also preserves the right to avail of judicial proceedings and remedies under existing laws.
The Commissioner of Civil Service must prepare and update a roster within timelines specified by the Act, showing registered foresters’ names and places of business (including those exempt from examination and those who passed the Board). Certified copies must be placed on file with the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Reforestation Administration, Parks and Wildlife Office, and College of Forestry. It may be furnished without cost to department heads, mayors of chartered cities, and other agencies/local authorities, and to the public upon request.