Identification of Suitable Areas for Replanting
- PCA recognizes logged-over, denuded, and inadequately stocked forest lands, especially within the Agusan Valley, as appropriate for hybrid coconut planting.
- Planting coconut trees on these lands supports forest renewal and encourages agro-forestry participation.
- Large-scale coconut plantations in these areas also foster employment and socio-economic development.
Review and Withdrawal of Timber Concessions
- Existing timber license agreements for certain logged-over forest lands will be reviewed.
- Denuded and inadequately stocked forest lands within timber concessions will be withdrawn and designated as agro-forest reserves.
- These reserves will be opened for hybrid coconut and other suitable tree and agricultural crops.
Compensation Considerations for Landowners
- Owners of Government-acquired estates (via voluntary agreements or expropriation under RA No. 926) who have not received full compensation may avail of benefits under this Decree.
Section 1: Withdrawal and Establishment of Agro-Forest Reserves
- The President withdraws denuded, logged-over, and inadequately stocked areas (delineated in Attachment A) from specified timber concessions in Agusan del Sur.
- These areas are established as agro-forest reserves for planting hybrid coconut seednuts and other agro-forest products.
Section 2: Authorization for Agro-Forest Leases
- PCA is authorized to enter agro-forest lease agreements with coconut farmers, the Coconut Industry Investment Fund, the Coconut Industry Development Fund, and qualified persons/entities under RA No. 926.
- Lease term: Twenty-five (25) years renewable for another 25 years or longer if allowed by law.
- Priority rights after lease expiration if the replanting program is ongoing.
- Inclusion of other suitable forest areas identified by PCA is allowed.
- All agreements require Presidential approval.
Section 3: Incorporation into Nationwide Replanting Program
- The agro-forest reserves created are integrated into the nationwide coconut replanting program.
- PCA formulates conditions to protect government interests, coconut farmers, settlers, and kaingeros.
Section 4: Infrastructure Development Assistance
- The Ministry of Public Highways shall support the development of agro-forest reserves by constructing and maintaining necessary infrastructure (roads, bridges).
- PCA will receive assistance as required for area development.
Section 5: Legal Exceptions
- Qualifying persons/entities and their agreements are exempted from existing laws that might otherwise disqualify them or invalidate agreements.
Section 6: Separability Clause
- If any provision is held invalid, other provisions remain effective.
Section 7: Effectivity Clause
- The Decree takes immediate effect upon issuance.