Law Summary

Introduction

Republic Act No. 4715, approved on June 18, 1966, establishes provisions for the designation of timberland areas in certain municipalities of Cebu for reforestation purposes and authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary for its implementation.

SECTION 1: Designation of Timberland Areas

• Legal Principle: The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources is authorized to designate contiguous upland timberland areas in specified municipalities for reforestation.
• Key Definitions:
  • Timberland (Upland) Areas: Lands suitable for reforestation purposes.
  • Southern Cebu Reforestation Development Project: The designated area for implementing reforestation efforts.
• Important Requirements:
  • The project will be managed by a Forestation Development Project Manager and will have offices in Argao.

• Municipalities involved: Sibonga, Argao, Alcantara, Moalboal, Dalaguete, Badian, Alcoy.
• The project is directly under the Administrator of Reforestation.

SECTION 2: Classification and Management of Timberland

• Legal Principle: The Bureau of Forestry and the Reforestation Administration are tasked with conducting surveys and inspections of the designated timberland.
• Key Definitions:
  • Bureau of Forestry: Government entity responsible for forestry management.
  • Reforestation Administration: Agency overseeing reforestation efforts.
• Important Procedures:
  • Classification and planting surveys must be conducted, and timberland areas are to be transferred for management to the project.

• Subject to private rights acquired prior to the Act’s approval.
• Joint efforts by the Bureau of Forestry and Reforestation Administration.

SECTION 3: Appropriation of Funds

• Legal Principle: The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources is authorized to allocate funds for the project from existing resources.
• Important Requirements:
  • Use of unallotted balances from Reforestation Special Funds or savings for initial funding.
  • Future operational and maintenance costs to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

• Appropriation needed for immediate execution of the Act.
• Future funding must be legislated annually.

SECTION 4: Implementation and Administration

• Legal Principle: The Reforestation Administration will oversee the implementation of the Act until the project offices are established.
• Key Definitions:
  • Forestry Projects Coordinator: Title for the Reforestation Development Project Manager.
• Important Procedures:
  • A staffing pattern needs to be developed for effective project management.
  • The Project Manager is empowered to create rules and regulations, subject to approval by the Secretary of Agriculture.

• The Reforestation Administration will operate pending office installation.
• Appointment of the Project Manager must comply with existing laws.

SECTION 5: Effectiveness of the Act

• Legal Principle: The Act shall become effective upon its approval.
• Important Details:
  • Enacted without Executive approval on June 18, 1966.

Key Takeaways

• Republic Act No. 4715 establishes specific areas in Cebu for reforestation, with clear administrative structures and funding mechanisms.
• The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources has significant authority over the management and funding of the reforestation project.
• Implementation is to be overseen by the Reforestation Administration, ensuring adherence to the law's provisions.
• The Act is effective immediately upon approval, allowing for swift action towards reforestation efforts.