LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 1002

Legal Principle/Provision: This Letter of Instructions (LOI) establishes the authority of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) over specific watershed areas in relation to the Pantabangan and Magat Multi-Purpose Dam Projects.
Key Definitions Introduced:
- Watershed Areas: Regions designated for protection and rehabilitation due to their significance for water supply and ecological balance.
- Wilderness Areas: Critical watersheds and proclaimed reservations declared as off-limits for exploitation.
Important Requirements/Procedures Outlined:
- The NIA is tasked with the management, protection, development, and rehabilitation of identified watershed areas.
Relevant Timeframes: The instruction takes effect immediately upon issuance.

Legal Principle/Provision: The NIA is granted authority over the specified watershed areas as outlined in the attached maps (Schedules "A" and "B").
Key Definitions Introduced: None additional.
Important Requirements/Procedures Outlined:
- The NIA is responsible for optimizing the benefits derived from the watersheds through sustainable practices.
Relevant Timeframes: The authority is effective upon the issuance of this LOI.

Legal Principle/Provision: The NIA may undertake erosion control and watershed development projects, with special provisions for harvesting certain forest products.
Key Definitions Introduced:
- Agro-Forestry Products: Non-timber forest products that may be harvested.
- Industrial Tree-Farming: A permitted activity in designated areas for sustainable forestry practices.
Important Requirements/Procedures Outlined:
- Harvesting is restricted to non-timber products, with logs and timber from existing trees prohibited.
- An exceptional allowance for industrial tree-farming and dendro-thermal projects spanning approximately 5,000 hectares in hilltop areas.
Relevant Timeframes: None specified for this provision.

Legal Principle/Provision: Any previous instructions, orders, or regulations inconsistent with this LOI are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Key Definitions Introduced: None additional.
Important Requirements/Procedures Outlined:
- Immediate effectivity of this LOI upon issuance.
Relevant Timeframes: The LOI is effective immediately from the date of signing.

Legal Principle/Provision: The document does not explicitly outline penalties or liabilities for non-compliance.
Key Definitions Introduced: None additional.
Important Requirements/Procedures Outlined: Compliance with the provisions of the LOI is expected, though no penalties are delineated.
Relevant Timeframes: None specified regarding penalties.

Related Legislation:
- Presidential Decree No. 705: Governs jurisdiction over watershed areas.
- Letter of Instructions No. 917: Declares critical watersheds and reservations as wilderness areas.

The National Irrigation Administration is authorized to manage and rehabilitate specific watershed areas related to hydropower and water supply projects.
The harvesting of forest products is allowed under strict conditions, focusing on agro-forestry while prohibiting timber extraction from existing trees.
The Letter of Instructions takes immediate effect and supersedes any conflicting regulations.
There are no specified penalties or liabilities for non-compliance in this document, suggesting reliance on administrative oversight.