Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6967)
The primary purpose of the forest reserve at Mount Makiling is to be administered and conserved primarily as a training laboratory for the advancement of scientific and technical knowledge, particularly in the preservation, conservation, and development of the forest, flora and fauna, and natural resources.
The University of the Philippines in Los Banos is vested with the exclusive jurisdiction, administration, and complete control of the forest reserve at Mount Makiling.
Republic Act No. 3523 originally ceded, transferred, and conveyed the forest reserve at Mount Makiling to the University of the Philippines.
Yes, the University of the Philippines in Los Banos may preserve watershed areas in the forest reserve for the development of hydro-geothermal power in coordination with the National Power Corporation, provided that such development does not endanger the forest reserve or prejudice its purpose as a training laboratory.
All existing provisions of law, executive orders, rules, and regulations that are inconsistent with Republic Act No. 6967 are repealed by the same Act.
Republic Act No. 6967 took effect upon its approval on October 15, 1990.
The law was approved by President Corazon C. Aquino. It was passed by the President of the Senate, Jovito R. Salonga, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ramon V. Mitra.
In RA 6967, 'training laboratory' refers to the forest reserve being used primarily for advancing scientific and technical knowledge related to preservation, conservation, and development of forest ecosystems, flora and fauna, and natural resources.
No, Republic Act No. 6967 does not specify penalties or sanctions; it primarily vests control and outlines purposes and administration of the forest reserve.
The watershed areas in the forest reserve are significant as they may be preserved for the development of hydro-geothermal power, but this must be done without endangering the forest reserve or its use as a training laboratory and in coordination with the National Power Corporation.