Scope and Program Establishment
- Establishes the Integrated Social Forestry Program known as PROFEM II, targeting kaingineros and forest-dependent communities.
- Mandates the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to lead the implementation, assisted by multiple ministries including Agrarian Reform, Agriculture, Education, Health, Justice, Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Social Services and Development, and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
- Formation of a Committee chaired by the Minister of Natural Resources with heads of involved ministries as members for effective planning and implementation.
Roles and Responsibilities of Involved Ministries
- Ministry of Natural Resources: Identifies kaingin (slash and burn) areas for settlement, processes leasehold papers per PD 705, coordinates support services, oversees program implementation.
- Ministry of Agrarian Reform: Assesses social conditions of occupants, organizes beneficiaries, manages sustainable landholdings, prevents feudal tenure systems.
- Ministry of Agriculture: Provides agro-forestry technology, advises on species planting, soil conservation, and livestock production.
- Ministry of Education and Culture: Conducts non-formal education focusing on agro-forestry and livelihood skills.
- Ministry of Health: Establishes health facilities and trains communities in health, nutrition, and sanitation.
- Ministry of Human Settlements: Ensures provision of basic settlement needs and promotes community participation.
- Ministry of Justice: Provides legal assistance to occupants and participants of the program.
- Ministry of Local Government: Assists in dissemination, organizing community groups, and civic development.
- Ministry of Public Works and Highways: Provides necessary infrastructure.
- Ministry of Social Services and Development: Administers social welfare activities.
- National Economic Development Authority: Conducts census and monitors program progress.
Census of Forest Occupants
- MNR, Agrarian Reform, Local Government, and NEDA to conduct a complete census in one year covering kaingineros, settlers, squatters, cultural minorities, and other residents on public forest lands.
- Results to be submitted promptly to the President's office.
Security of Tenure and Land Disposition
- Grants long-term stewardship contracts to kaingineros and deserving forest occupants for economic-sized family landholdings.
- Contract duration and land size to be set by the Minister of Natural Resources.
- Excludes ecologically unsound or steep areas from the program.
- Provides for relocation of occupants if necessary, ensuring the best land use per PD 705.
Priority in Implementation
- Priority given to occupants on the land as of December 31, 1981.
- Also prioritizes landless farmers, tillers, and rural workers seeking to participate.
Coordination and Funding
- MNR may call upon other ministries and agencies or private entities for assistance.
- Participating ministries authorized to use lump sum appropriations for implementing PROFEM II, subject to PD 1177, Section 40.
Legal and Policy Basis
- Implements directives pursuant to Executive Order No. 715 and Presidential Decree No. 705.
- Aligns with policies promoting social forestry, democratized disposition of forest lands, and livelihood development.