Legal basis, predecessor measures, and intent
- The Order directs agencies and local governments to abide by the policies and guidelines of the Council, and it requires that such policies and guidelines must not be contrary to existing laws and regulations when permits, licenses, and leases are issued within the watersheds.
- The Order states the governing aim to fully protect and preserve the remaining forest in the Bukidnon watersheds and to rehabilitate open areas within the headwaters of the watershed.
- The Order frames watershed governance toward preserving watershed biodiversity, enhancing socio-economic upliftment, and improving watershed sustainability and productivity.
Coverage and covered watersheds
- The Order covers watershed protection and development in Bukidnon.
- The Council operates within the specific watersheds enumerated in the Order:
- Upper Pulangi River Watershed
- Muleta River Watershed
- Tagoloan River Watershed
- Cagayan River Watershed
- Maridugo River Watershed
- Davao/Salug River Watershed
- Agusan River Watershed
- The Council’s composition includes the Provincial Government and representatives from concerned National Lines Agencies, LGU’s, institutions, and NGO’s covered by the specific watersheds listed above.
Bukidnon Watershed Council creation
- Memorandum Order No. 270 creates the Bukidnon Watersheds Protection and Development Council.
- The Council is composed of:
- The Provincial Government; and
- Representatives from concerned National Lines Agencies, LGU’s, institutions, and NGO’s covered by the enumerated watersheds.
- The Council is chaired by the Provincial Government.
- The Council has authority to compose a technical secretariat from among its members.
- All national and local agencies are enjoined to fully cooperate and support the Council’s mandate.
Policies controlling permits and land use
- Agencies concerned must abide by the policies and guidelines promulgated by the Council, provided these are not contrary to existing laws and regulations.
- Agencies must apply these Council policies and guidelines in the issuance of permits, licenses, and leases within the watersheds.
- The Council policies and guidelines govern actions relative to development and utilization of forest resources within the watersheds.
Core mandates and programs
- The Council must formulate policies and guidelines on:
- Watershed boundary and land uses
- Conservation
- Protection
- Utilization
- Development and rehabilitation
- Consistency with existing laws and regulations
- The Council must make recommendations to the President regarding:
- Inter-agency coordination/collaboration
- Local community development
- The Council must enhance community-based resource management programs with emphasis on socio-economic upliftment while conserving watershed biodiversity through promotion and maintenance of a sustainable land use system.
- The Council must establish a watershed databank management system and submit periodic reports to the Office of the President.
- The Council must prepare and implement programs/projects relative to the Framework Plan that will:
- Enhance watershed sustainability
- Increase geographical and industrial/sectoral productivity
- Enable the Council to act as an effective catalyst for environmental protection, development, and management
Funding and information support
- The Council is funded by DENR, the Office of the President, the Department of Energy through National Power Corporation, National Irrigation Administration, and share from foreign grants and aids for the province.
- NAMRIA must provide the Council with:
- Updated and relevant information
- Maps
- Satellite images
- Aerial photos
Implementing character and transitory direction
- Memorandum Order No. 270 operates as an Implementing Order.
- Agencies concerned are directed to comply with the Council’s policies and guidelines in the issuance of permits, licenses, and leases within the watersheds, subject to the rule that these Council policies must not be contrary to existing laws and regulations.
- The Council’s governance and operational directives take effect immediately upon issuance.