Law Summary
Legal and Constitutional Basis
- Protection of ecology under 1987 Constitution, Article II, Section 16.
- Promotion of social justice according to Article II, Section 10.
- Recognition of indigenous peoples' rights to ancestral domains per Article XIV, Section 17.
- DENR mandated to manage natural resources sustainably (Executive Order No. 192, 1987).
Policy and Development Framework
- Philippine Government’s Social Reform Agenda supports community involvement in forest protection.
- 25-year Master Plan for Forestry Development advocates local community roles and targets 4 million hectares for management under CBFM.
- Community responsibility for forest conservation is recognized as effective.
Roles and Responsibilities (Section 2)
- DENR, with its community and provincial offices, coordinates with local governments and DILG.
- Community needs and aspirations are emphasized, focusing on livelihoods dependent on forestlands.
Tenurial Agreements and Sustainable Practices (Section 3)
- Organized communities can have long-term access to forestland resources.
- Access requires environment-friendly, labor-intensive sustainable harvesting.
- Each community must prepare a site-specific management plan approved by DENR.
Indigenous Peoples Inclusion (Section 4)
- Indigenous peoples allowed to participate in CBFM, respecting ancestral domain rights and claims.
CBFM Steering Committee (Section 5)
- Committee headed by DENR, including members from multiple government departments and agencies.
- Includes representatives from private sector, NGOs, and others as invited.
- Formulates policies and incentives to support CBFM effectiveness.
- Members include Assistant Secretaries or bureau/agency heads.
Community Empowerment (Section 6)
- DENR collaborates with local governments, POs, NGOs, religious groups, business and industry, and other organizations.
- Ensures community empowerment for implementing CBFM objectives.
Budgeting and Funding (Sections 7, 8, 9)
- DENR must allocate adequate funds for CBFM targets in budget preparations.
- Supplementary funding from local and international sources to be sought.
- Creation of a Community-based Forest Management Special Account (CBFMSA) to finance strategy.
- Grants and donations may be sourced as CBFMSA funds.
- Additional funding sources to be determined by the Steering Committee subject to government rules.
Training and Capacity Building (Section 10)
- DENR to establish training programs with colleges, universities, and organizations.
- Targets include POs, NGOs, local governments, and government personnel.
Financing Mechanisms (Section 11)
- Within six months, DENR must create financing systems with government financial institutions (DBP, LBP, GSIS, SSS).
- Financing to support training, empowerment, enterprise, agroforestry, tree plantations, and alternative livelihoods.
Rulemaking and Implementation (Section 12)
- DENR Secretary empowered to issue necessary rules, revise existing guidelines.
- Ensures consistent implementation of CBFM policy.
National Comprehensive Plan Submission (Section 13)
- DENR Secretary to submit a National Comprehensive Community Forestry Action Plan within six months.
- Plan includes short, medium, and long-term strategies.
- Approval from CBFM Steering Committee required before submission.
Repeal of Inconsistent Issuances (Section 14)
- All previous executive and administrative orders inconsistent with this Order are repealed or amended accordingly.