SOCIAL FORESTRY & COMMUNITY-BASED NATURAL RESOURCES MGT

BY: RODRIGA G. AGUINSATAN & JUPITER V. CASAS

A. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Adaptive forest management practices – forest management practices which developed in response
to changed conditions.
Agroforestry - a sustainable land management system that increases the total yield of the land,
combines the production of crops (including tree crops) & forest plants and/or animals
simultaneously or sequentially on the same unit of land, and applies management practices
that are compatible with the cultural practices of the local population.
Campaign – a series of actions planned to achieve a specific behavior by a specific group of people.
Certificate of stewardship – refers to the document issued by the government pursuant to the
stewardship agreement.
Community Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMAs) are agreements between the DENR &
the participating POs.
- one of the tenurial instruments issued to qualified participants under the CBFM with a duration
of 25 years renewable for another 25 years, that provide tenurial security & incentives to
develop, utilize & manage specific portions of forest lands pursuant to approved CRMF.
- designed to ensure that the participating community enjoys the benefits of sustainable
management, conservation, and utilization of forest lands and natural resources within a
defined area.
Community Resource Management Framework - is a strategic plan of the community on how to
manage & benefit from the forest resources on a sustainable basis. It describes the community’s
long-term vision, aspiration, commitments & strategies for the protection, rehabilitation,
development & utilization of forest resources.
Community-Based Forest Management Program (CBFMP) is any forest development program which
adopts the Community-Based Forest Management Strategy. It bears the following principles:
social equity, sustainability & community participation in forest management & biodiversity
conservation.
Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) is a people-centered approach to the
integration of conservation of the natural resource base (water, soil, trees and local biodiversity)
and development to overcome poverty, hunger and disease.
Community Forestry – the process of making an effectuating decisions with regards to the use and
conservation of resources within the local territory with the organization of related activities being
based on social interactions and a degree of shared norms and interest of the members living
within this local territory.
- any forest management activities undertaken by rural people as part of their livelihood
strategies.
Communal claims – claims on land, resources and rights thereon, belonging to the whole community
within a defined territory.
Contour farming – a system of upland farming in which staked contours are piled with stones or
saplings and planted with cash crops in between.
Diversified farming – a system of upland farming in which the farmer is engaged both in various
cropping systems and livestock production.
Energy farm – refers to a plantation of fast growing species intended to produces fuelwood and
charcoal materials for power generating plant.
Established upland farming – the type of shifting cultivation in which the cultivators have subsequently
cleared a part or no clearing have been made in the area because of an abundant tree crops
obtained over his occupied area.
Evaluation – a formal review which attempts to quantify the success of a campaign.
Evaluation & decision stage – stage when the audience decides whether to accept or reject the newly
learned idea.
Externally sponsored forest management – forest management practices which have been set up by
outsiders. The norms and values in respect to both forest practices which have been set up by
outsiders. The norms and values in respect to both forest resources as well as proper
management organizations are in such cases often based on a different frame or reference from
that of the community norms and values.
Extension agent - somebody employed by a state government to provide information to the public
about agriculture, health, or home economics (Microsoft Encarta 2009). And in the case of
Forestry, information about forest conservation
Extension service - the process by which technology and innovation are transferred to an identified
clientele with the ultimate objective of improving their living conditions (World Encyclopedia).
Field day – a day/s in which an area containing successful upland farming practices is open to all
people to visit.
Field trip – a group approach of communication which gives the farmer the change to see how a
recommended farm practice performs under conditions similar to their own.
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Forest community – refers to forest occupants who are members of indigenous socio-cultural
grouping.
Forest conservation – the ethical use of forest resources in the interest of human beings now living
and those in the future for their survival.
- the wise utilization of forest resources including renewal, protection, development,
harvesting, processing & maintenance of ecological balance
Forest industries food production program – a government program which requires timber licenses
and pasture leases to produce food crops and livestock within their concessions and pasture
areas.
Forestry extension – the process of spreading forest consciousness among the public through mass
media and other communication tools.
Free and Prior Informed Consent – the consensus of all members of the ICCs/IPs to be determined in
accordance with their respective customary laws and practices, free from any external
manipulation, interference and coercion, and obtained after fully disclosing the intent and scope
of the activity, in a language and process understandable to the community
Group communication – an approach used in communication designed to influence groups rather than
individuals.
Group contact – the method used in extension in which the extension agents have a contact with a
specific group of extension targets.
Group discussion – an interplay of talk and personalities of twelve of fewer people with an agreed aim
of exchanging ideas, making decisions or planning actions on selected topics.
Implementation stage – stage where the audience finally act, do or test the ideals, knowledge &
practices learned.
Incipient upland farming – the type of shifting cultivation in which the cultivators often have a little prior
knowledge of upland farming techniques and move into the upland as squatter or resettler.
Indigenous forest management – forest management practices which originate from within a
community; these practices are generated by internal initiatives within a local community on the
basis of the prevailing norms and values on forest resources.
Individual Contact – one-on-one contact with target clientele.
Industrial tree plantation – any forest land extensively planted to tree crops primarily to supply raw
materials the existing or proposed wood processing plants and related industries.
Integrated area project – a large tract of public forest land settled by forest occupants which is
designated as such for reasons of diverse community needs with the end in view of providing
social and other necessary services in an interagency basis.
Integrated social forestry program – a program designed to maximize land productivity and enhance
ecological stability and to improve the socio-economic conditions of forest occupants and
communities.
Intercropping – the system of upland farming in which permanent crops are planted ahead than the
cash crops.
Interest stage – stage where audience develops the likeness to learn
Kaingin making – the shifting cultivation practices on land normally not suited to permanent crop
production.
Landlord kainginero – a person who owned a wide tract of land in the public forest land actually
tenanted to upland farmers or tillers.
Mass communication – an approach used in communication designed to increase the information
seeking behavior of farmers which include radio, newspapers, magazine, television, film, etc.
Mass contact – the method used in extension which is primarily employed in a situation in which
extension agents wish to communicate with the general public.
Maximization – a conservation measure which aims to avoid waste and increase the quantity and
quality of production from forest resources.
Method demonstration – the method of showing step by step procedure by acquiring knowledge or
skill which is usually accompanied with explanation.
Model Farmer – Farmer whose personal attitudes and farm practices are superior that his operation
can serve as model for others to follow.
Monitoring – continuing informal assessment of how the campaign is running.
Multiple crop farming – the system of upland farming in which two or more crops best suited to the
land are combined.
Next of kin – refers to the legitimate spouse, children, parents, brothers or sisters of a forest occupant
who has entered into stewardship agreement.
Pamphlet – a type of publication which usually deals with a specific subject matter.
People’s Organization (PO) - a group of people which may be an association, cooperative, federation
or other legal entity, established by the community to undertake collective action to address
community concerns and needs and mutually share the benefits from the endeavor.
Personal contact – the method used in extension in which the extension agents have an individual
contact with the extension targets.
Physical Technology – refers to the land use practice employed like agroforestry, silviculture, etc.
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Pioneer upland farming – the type of shifting cultivation in which the cultivators customarily cleared
each year a significant portion of the climax vegetation.
Preservation – refers to the protection of forest from commercial exploitation so as to prolong their use
for recreation, watershed protection and scientific study.
Primitive tribe – a group of endemic tribe living primitively as distinct portion of the people form a
common ancestor.
Prior vested rights – established claims, privileges, prerogatives, or ownership over land or natural
resources which can be enforced before a court of law or appropriate administrative agency.
Program participant – a forest occupant or community association which has entered into a
stewardship agreement and actively involved in the ISFP.
Project area – refers to a public forest land which is utilized by a specific, proximate, groupings of
program participants or prospective program participants.
Restoration – the most familiar conservation measure designed to correct past willful and inadvertent
abuses that have impaired the productivity of the resources base.
Result demonstration – the method of showing to the rural people that a new practice is applicable
locally and performs better than the old practice.
Reutilization – a conservation measure which aims to reuse waste materials after it has been cleaned
and reclassified.
Role Playing – a simulation in which a single and open-ended story/scenario is described and
participants are given roles to act our situation.
Seminar – a group approach of communication which aims to increase knowledge about something
and consequently influence farmers to adopt it.
Sequential farming – refers to the growing of two or more crops in sequence on the same field.
Sloping agricultural land technique – a system of upland farming in which staked contour lines are
planted with forest trees and cash crops in between.
Social Forestry - Any situation which intimately involves local people in a forest activity, a set of
interconnected actions and works executed primarily by local community residents to improve
their own welfare.
-Relates to a group of forest management strategies in which the aspect of local participation
and often also of equitable distribution of forest products are of central objectives.
Social forestry officer – an officer whose responsibility is to manage and to implement ISF program in
the project area under the direct supervision of the District Forester.
Social enterprise - a non-traditional and sustainable concept of business that consists of the
collaboration between people, profit, and the environment
Social Technology – refers to the various strategies of mobilizing people and communities to
participate actively in social forestry activities, like educational campaigns and community
organization
Stewardship agreement - a contract entered into by and between an individual forest occupant and
the government allowing the farmer the right to peaceful occupation and possession over a
designated area.
Substitution – a conservation measure which aims to use a common resource instead of a rare one
when it serves the same end.
Sustainable development – means meeting the needs and aspirations of the people without
compromising the ability of the future generations to meet theirs.
Sustainable Forest Management – the process of managing, developing, and utilizing forest lands and
resources therein to achieve the production of desired products and services without impairing
the inherent productivity of the forest, thereby ensuring a continuous flow of these products or
services and without undesirable effects on the physical and social environment.
Supplementary upland farming – the type of shifting cultivation in which the cultivators devote part of
their agricultural; effort in cultivating their occupied area which may be at some distance from
their residence.
Traditional forest management – forest management practices based on norms and objective from the
past.
Tree farm – any small forest land or land purposely planted with tree crops.
Upland farmer - a farmer who engages in a diversified cropping system in order to survive under a
very unfavorable natural resource endowment.

B. SOCIAL FORESTRY

WHAT IS SOCIAL FORESTRY?

- Any situation which intimately involves local people in a forest activity, a set of interconnected
actions and works executed primarily by local community residents to improve their own welfare.

- relates to a group of forest management strategies in which the aspect of local participation and
often also of equitable distribution of forest products are of central objectives.
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WHAT ARE THE GOALS/OBJECTIVES OF SOCIAL FORESTRY?

1. To increase the utilization of human resources for managing degraded marginal lands to
counteract the process of deforestation
2. To contribute to the general socio-economic development of rural people through employment
generation, institution building and by promoting agricultural production.
3. To ensure that rural people can produce, or better access to certain basic needs in the form of
essential forest and tree products and services.
4. To increase the participation of the rural people in the management of the forest and tree
resources as a means of increasing their self-reliance.
5. To address the needs and aspirations of specific underprivileged groups within the rural
population, such as subsistence farmers, landless families or other sectors of the rural poor.

WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL FORESTRY?

1. People are the most important variables in upland conservation

2. Villagers should be seen as active partners, rather than passive objects, of development.
3. Community members have the intelligence to study their own problems, decide on solutions
and implement these solutions.
4. Development of groups, rather than individuals, must be pursued.
5. People should be involved at all stages including planning, implementation, maintenance and
evaluation of conservation works.
6. Development is achieved when community members and institutions have transformed not
conformed to status quo
7. Community problems can be solved only through a holistic approach.
8. Simple, low cost and locally available materials should be used in upland development work.
9. Individuals learn most from their peers, both from within and outside the community.
10. Experience is the best teacher; doing makes learning easier.

IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL FORESTRY TO FOREST MANAGEMENT & PROTECTION

WHY DOES SOCIAL FORESTRY EMERGE?

1. The failure or neglect of classical/traditional forestry approaches to respond to the needs of
rural communities
2. The futility or inappropriateness of government strategies to deal with the growing number of
forest dwellers or occupants
3. Realization that upland people are potential ally rather than adversary in forestry development
4. Realization and recognition of the potentials of forestry as one of the vehicles in promoting
rural development
5. Realization that policies promoting industrialization were not effectively attaching the problems
of rural poverty.

WHAT ARE THE CLASSIFICATION OF SOCIAL FORESTRY PROGRAMS?

Classification of Social Forestry Program

a. According to Technology Used:
a.1. Physical Technology – refers to the land use practice employed like agroforestry,
silviculture, etc.

a.2. Social Technology – refers to the various strategies of mobilizing people and communities
to participate actively in social forestry activities, like educational campaigns and
community organization

b. Programs Requiring Collective Effort

b.1. National campaigns
b.2. Special interest group activities
b.3. Community forestry

c. Programs Requiring Individual Action

c.1. Tree for farms – trees farming programs for individual and land owners
c.2. Trees for residential areas – encourages individuals or families to plant trees around
homes and private lands in both rural and urban areas.
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C. COMMUNITY FORESTRY and COMMUNITY-BASED NATURAL RESOURCES MGT

WHAT IS COMMUNITY FORESTRY?

Community Forestry – the process of making an effectuating decisions with regard to the use
and conservation of resources within the local territory with the organization of related activities
being based on social interactions and a degree of shared norms and interest of the members
living within this local territory.

- any forest management activities undertaken by rural people as part of their livelihood
strategies.

WHAT IS COMMUNITY-BASED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (CBNRM)?

Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) is a people-centered approach to

the integration of conservation of the natural resource base (water, soil, trees and local
biodiversity) and development to overcome poverty, hunger and disease.
- refers to all types of natural resources management programs which primarily involve
community in all aspect of the program development in all management processes (Rebugio
2003)
- envisions sustainable communities within healthy ecosystems.
- characterized by public, multiplicity of stakeholders with diverse interest (forest production,
critical watershed, protected areas or coastal areas mgt & dev’t).

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF COMMUNITY FOREST MANAGEMENT?

1. Indigenous forest management – forest management practices which originate from within a
community; these practices are generated by internal initiatives within a local community on
the basis of the prevailing norms and values on forest resources.
2. Externally sponsored forest management – forest management practices which have been
set up by outsiders. The norms and values in respect to both forest practices which have
been set up by outsiders. The norms and values in respect to both forest resources as well
as proper management organizations are in such cases often based on a different frame or
reference from that of the community norms and values.
3. Traditional forest management – forest management practices based on norms and objective
from the past.
4. Adaptive forest management practices – forest management practices which developed in
response to changed conditions.

HOW COMMUNITY FORESTRY AND PROGRAMS EVOLVED IN THE PHILS.?

Year Policy/Program Features

Colonial Period
1863 Establishment of the The state’s forest agency established and
Inspecion General de Montes administered by the Spanish colonizer declares the
by the Spanish Government right to control forest access and utilization.
1889 Definitive Forest Laws and Slash-and-burn cultivation or kaingin in the upland
Regulations (Royal Decree of areas was prohibited with heavy penalties awaiting
the King of Spain) violators.
1901 Kaingin Law (Act No. 274) Kaingineros and other forest occupants were to be
established by the Americans punished and evicted from forest areas.
1917 Forest Law of 1917 or Act No. Established communal forests and pastures for the
2711 use of communities, but still under state control.
1941 Revised Communal Forest The Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce set
Regulation (Forestry aside communal forests, upon the endorsement of
Administrative Order No. 14- the Director of Forestry and the request of municipal
1) councils. The residents of the municipality were
granted the privilege to cut, collect and remove free
of charge, forest products for their personal use.
Pioneering Period
1971 Kaingin Management and Focused on the containment rather than punishment
Land Settlement Regulations of forest occupants. Kaingineros or slash and burn
(Forestry Administrative cultivators were allowed to remain in the public
Order No. 62) forestland provided they undertake soil conservation
and tree farming activities in fixed sites.
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1973 Family Approach to The Bureau of Forest Development entered into
Reforestation (BFD Circular short-term contracts with families to set up tree
No. 45, Series of 1973 plantations in public land.

Year Policy/Program Features

1975 Forestry Reform Code Kaingineros, squatters, and other occupants who entered
(Presidential Decree No. forest zones before May 1975 shall not be prosecuted
705) provided that they do not expand their clearings and that
they undertake forest protection activities.
1976 Forest Occupancy Allowed bona fide forest occupants to develop the lands
Management Program they were occupying or cultivating but with specific
provision that the subject land should not exceed 7 ha per
occupant. Renewable two-year forest occupancy permit
issued to participating kaingineros.
1979 Communal Tree Farming Every city and municipality in the country was expected to
Program establish tree farms. Reforestation in open and denuded
(Ministry Administrative forestlands was undertaken through the involvement of
Order No. 11, Series of forest occupants, civic organizations, and municipal
1979) government units.
Integration and Consolidation
1982 Integrated Social Forestry Participants in the program are granted the right to occupy
Program (Letter of and develop forest areas for a period of 25 years,
Instruction No. 1260) renewable for another 25 years, through the issuance of
stewardship agreement.
1989 Gen Rules & Regulations on The DENR shall encourage and promote the participation
the Participation of NGOs in of NGOs in natural resources development, management
DENR Programs (DAO No. and protection. A National NGO Desk is tasked to
120) accredit NGOs qualified to participate in DENR programs.
1989 Community Forestry The Community Forestry Management Agreement
Program (DAO No. 123) (CFMA) is awarded to organized upland communities for a
period of 25 years, renewable for another 25 years. Forest
utilization privileges are given to the communities who are
expected to prepare a development plan and adhere to
the principles of sustained-yield management.
1991 Local Government Code The implementation of social forestry and reforestation
(Republic Act No. 7160) initiatives, the management of communal forests not
exceeding 5,000 ha., the protection of small watershed
areas, and the enforcement of forest laws are devolved to
local government units.
1993 Delineation of Ancestral Provincial Special Task Forces on Ancestral Domains
Lands and Domain Claims (PSTFAD) are mandated to meet with indigenous
(DENR Administrative Order communities for the purpose of verifying ancestral domain
No. 2) claims and identifying forest boundaries. Once their
claims are approved, indigenous communities are granted
Certificates of Ancestral Domain Claims (CADCs)
Institutionalization
1995 Adoption of Community- CBFM is the national strategy to achieve sustainable
Based Forest Management forestry and social justice. Organized communities may
(CBFM) as the National be granted access to forest resources under long-term
Strategy for the Sustainable tenure provided they employ environment-friendly,
Development of Forestlands ecologically sustainable, and labor-intensive harvesting
(Executive Order No. 263) methods. CBFM integrates all people-oriented forestry
programs and projects of the government.
1996 Rules and Regulations for Local communities shall prepare their respective
the Implementation of Community Resource Management Frameworks with the
Executive Order 263, assistance of DENR, local government units, NGOs, and
otherwise known as the other government agencies. The CBFM program shall
CBFM Strategy (DENR apply to all areas classified as forestlands including
Administrative Order No. allowable zones within protected areas. It integrates all
96) people-oriented forestry programs of the government.

1997 Indigenous People’s Rights Mandated the State to protect the rights of indigenous
Act (Republic Act No. 8371) cultural communities to their ancestral domains to ensure
their economic, social and cultural well being. Also
recognizes the property relations in determining the
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ownership and extent of ancestral domain. Indigenous
peoples whose ancestral domains have been officially
delineated and determined by the National Commission on
Indigenous People shall be issued a Certificate of
Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) in the name of the
community concerned, containing a list of all those
identified in the census.
1998 Manual of Procedures on This manual operationalizes and makes effective the
Devolved and other Forest devolution of forest management functions from the DENR
Management Functions to the LGU. It also seeks to strengthen and institutionalize
(DENR-DILG Joint DENR-DILG-LGU partnership and cooperation on
Memorandum Circular No. devolved and other forest management functions.
98-01)
2003 Strengthening and Guidelines and instructions for DENR, DILG and LGUs in
Institutionalizing the DENR- accelerating collaboration, partnership, coordination and
DILG-LGU Partnership on institutionalization of its working relations on forest
Devolved and other Forest management and related environmental concerns.
Management Functions
(DENR-DILG Joint
Memorandum Circular No.
2003-01)
2004 Promoting Sustainable Prescribed for the pursuit of sustainable management of
Forest Management in the forests and forestlands in watersheds based on six key
Philippines (Executive Order
principles including community-based forest conservation
No. 318) and development. CBFM shall remain the primary
strategy in all forest conservation and development and
related activities.
2004 Rev Rules& Regulations for Improvement on the 1996 CBFM Implementing Rules and
the Implementation of the Regulations by allowing more flexibility to participating
CBFM Strategy (DAO No. communities such as the requirement of a Five-Year Work
29) Plan instead of Annual Work Plan, etc.
Source: Rebugio and Chiong-Javier (1995); Pulhin (1987); Pulhin (2004), Magno (2001)

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL PROVISIONS OF THE COMMUNITY-BASED FOREST MANAGEMENT

PROGRAM?

1. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 318 (June 09, 1994)

“Promoting Sustainable Forest Management in the Philippines”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF E.O. NO. 318

a. Delineation, classification & Demarcation of State Forestland. Forestlands identification,

delineation, classification & should be categorized for production & protection purposes, &
placed under a formal management scheme. Conversions of forestlands into non-forestry
uses shall be acted upon by the Congress.

b. Holistic, sustainable & integrated development of forestry resources. Development &

management of the forestlands based on the inherent productive capacity & sustainable use
of these resources for the present & future generation.

c. Community-Based Forest Conservation and Development – The use of Community-Based

Forest Management approach in forest conservation in a collaborative effort with the national
government, LGUs, COs/POs, private business entities & civil society organization (CSOs).
It also recognized the culture, values, traditions, religious beliefs & rights of indigenous
people.

d. Incentives for Enhancing Private Investment Economic Contribution and Global

Competitiveness of Forest-Based Industries.

e. Proper Valuation & Pricing of Forestry Resources

f. Institutional Support for Sustainable Forest Management – good governance, collaboration

of GAs, NGOs, LGUs.
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2. EXECUTIVE ORDER 263.

The title of E.O. 263 is “Adopting Community Based Forest Management as the
National Strategy to Ensure the Sustainable Development of the Country’s Forest Land
Resources and Providing Mechanisms for its Implementation”

SALIENT FEATURES OF EO 263?

a. CBFM shall be national strategy to achieve sustainable forestry & social justice;
b. The CENRO in coordination with the LGUs, DILG, shall meet all times, take into account
the needs & aspirations of local communities whose livelihood depends on the forestlands;
c. Participating organized communities may be granted access to the forestland resources
under long term tenurial agreements, provided they employ environment-friendly,
ecologically-sustainable & labor-intensive harvesting methods.
d. Steering committees shall be created headed by the DENR Secretary
e. The DENR shall work with LGUs, POs, NGOs, religious groups, business industry, &
other concerned organizations to ensure that communities are empowered.
f. The DENR shall allot funds for the implementation of the CBFMP
g. The DENR may source local & international grants & dominations for the establishment of
the CBFM Special Account.
h. The DENR shall support & set-up jointly with relevant colleges & universities, private &
public organizations, arrangements for a community forestry training program for members of
the participating units, POs, LGUs, NGOs, & other government personnel.

3. DAO No. 2004-29.

It is the “Revised Rules and Regulations for the Implementation of Executive Order 263
otherwise known as the Community-Based Forest Management Strategy.

BASIC POLICY OF DAO NO. 2004-29

a. Protect & advance the right of the Filipino people to a healthful environment;
b. Improve their socio-economic conditions through the promotion of social justice,
equitable access to & sustainable development of forest land resources;
c. Respect the rights of Indigenous People to their ancestral domains.
d. Active & transparent community participation & security of tenure.

CONCEPTS & PRINCIPLES OF CBFM (DAO NO. 2004-29

A Community-Based Forest Management Program (CBFMP) is any forest development

program which adopts the Community-Based Forest Management Strategy.

It bears the following principles: social equity, sustainability & community participation
in forest management & biodiversity conservation. Sustainable management of forest lands
& coastal areas can result from responsible utilization by organized, empowered local
communities.

SCOPE & COVERAGE OF SCBFM UNDER DAO 2004-29

CBFM applies to all forest lands, except those WITH PRIOR RIGHTS. It integrates &
unifies all people-oriented forestry programs, including but not limited to ISPP, UDP, FLMP,
LIUCP, RRMP, NRMP FSP, CEP, CADC holders may at their option, participate in the
CBMFS.

QUALIFICATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS

Local communities as represented by their People/s Organizations. The PO must have

the following qualifications:

a. Members shall be Filipino citizens;

b. Members may either be: actually tilling portions of the area to be awarded:
traditionally utilizing the resource for all or substantial portion of their livelihood; or
actually residing within or adjacent to, and are dependent on and actually
developing portions of the areas to be awarded.
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INCENTIVES TO THE PO

a. To occupy, develop, protect, manage, & utilize the forest lands & its resources
within a designated CBFM area & claim ownership of introduced improvements;
b. When appropriate, allocate to members & regulate rights to use & sustain manage
forest land resources within the CBFM area;
c. To be exempted from land rental for use of the CBFM areas;
d. To properly informed of and be consulted on all government projects to be
implemented in the area.
e. To be given preferential access by the DENR to all available assistance in the
development & implementation of the CRMF & 5-year Work Plan of the PO;
f. To enter into agreements or portions of the CBFM area, and/or economic activities
therein.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PO

a. Take the lead in boundary delineation, taking into account their customs, traditions,
beliefs;
b. Designate areas according to their sustainable use and, when appropriate in
accordance with their native customs, traditions & practices, allocate & regulate
resource-use rights in accordance with national laws, rules, & regulations;
c. Prepare & implement CRMF & 5-year work plan;
d. Develop & implement equitable benefit-sharing arrangements among its member;
e. Protect, rehabilitate & conserve the natural resources in the CBFM area & assist
the government in the protection of adjacent forest lands.
f. Develop & enforce policies pertaining to the rights & responsibilities of PO
members & the accountability of the PO leaders;
g. Be accountable for any violation borne by the subcontractor in which he/she had
entered into for the development of the entire CBFMA area or potions hereof,
and/or economic activities;
h. Develop mechanisms for addressing conflicts, including rules, regulations and
sanctions regarding forest uses & protection.
i. Be transparent & promote participatory management & consensus building in all
activities & endeavors; and
j. Pay forest charges for forest products harvested from natural forest as well as fees
& other taxes required by the government; and
k. Undertake other responsibilities stipulated in the CBFM Agreement.

STAGES OF CBFMP IMPLEMENTATION

A. Preparatory Stage.
The objectives are: 1) To inform & educate Pos, NGOs, LGUs and the general
public about CBFMP; 2) to establish institutional linkages between the DENR & the
LGU; & 3) to identify & delineate CBFM areas.

TASKED TO IDENTIFY & DELINEATE CBFM SITES

DENR field offices shall continuously update control maps & associated
registries. These shall be harmonized with the Comprehensive Land Us Plans
(CLUPS) of the respective LGUs. The PENRO then shall make a preliminary map
delineation of forest management units based on watershed/subwatershed physical
boundaries. These maps should be presented to the Provincial & Municipal Working
Groups to operationalize the partnership & devolution of forest management functions
to serve as reference for the work of these working people.

CRITERIA FOR SITE SELECTION

a. CBFM may be implemented in uplands & coastal lands of the public domain except
in the following:
i. Areas covered by existing prior rights except when the lessee, permitee,
or agreement holder executes a waiver in favor of the PO applying for the
CBFM Agreement. Upon termination of any pre-existing permit for non-
timber forest products however, the permit shall not be renewed & any
permit shall be given to the CBFMA holder.
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ii. Protected areas as mandated in RA 75 86 (NIPAS Law) & its
implementing rules & regulations;
iii. Forest lands which have been assigned by law under the administration
& control of other government agencies, except upon written consent of the
government agency concerned; & NCIP certified ancestral lands & domains,
except when the JCCs/Ips opt to participate in CBFM.
b. Presence of communities residing within or adjacent to forest lands & who are
largely dependent on forest land resources for their livelihood; and
c. Areas adjacent to or adjoining to existing CBFM projects.

HOW CONFLICTS IN CLAIMS ARE PROCESSED FOR RESOLUTION?

Complaints for conflicts in CBFM area shall be filed before the next higher
approving authority within 30 days from date of first publication/or notification; and the
concerned official shall have 30 days after receipts hereof to resolve the complaint.

B. PO formation & Provision of Security of Tenure Stage.

The objectives of this stage are (1) encourage participation of local communities
in CBFMP; (2) to start community organization building or strengthening; and (3) to
define existing conditions (social, economic, natural resources) relevant for planning.

HOW ARE POTENTIAL CBFM PARTICIPANTS VALIDATED?

A multi-sectoral group at the local level shall be created for the purpose of
validating CBFM participants. It shall be composed of the DENR, LGU, other
government agencies, NGO, NCIP & other sectors concerned. Minutes of the
consultation meeting shall be prepared. In areas where there is no existing PO, the
CENTRO shall facilities its formation. Formation of the PO shall only proceed when the
multi-sectoral group has validated the qualified CBFM participants.

HOW TO FORM A PO?

The CENRO, LGU & NCIP (if there are IPS involved) shall assist in the
formation of the PO. The PO to be formed shall be duly assisted in accomplishing the
requirements & registration with the SEC & CDA or other registering agencies. The CO
shall fully explain to the PO the terms & conditions of the CBFMA before the application
for CBFM is processed.

WHAT ARE THE TENURIAL INSTRUMENTS OF THE PROGRAM?

a. Community Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) - agreement between

the DENR & the participating POs. It has a duration of 25 years renewal for another
25 years, shall provide tenurial security & incentives to develop, utilize & manage
specific portions of forest lands pursuant to approved CRMF. The CBFMA is
designed to ensure that the participating community shall enjoy the benefits of
sustainable management, conservation & utilization of forest lands & natural
resources therein.
b. Certificate of Stewardship (CS). The CBFM strategy recognizes the individual
rights of occupancy though the granting of the CS, which is co-terminus with the
CBFMA. The CS shall be issued by the CENRO upon recommendation of the PO
based on the census of actual occupants conducted, provided that the area is within
the CBFM area applied for & the CS applicant is a regular member of the PO. In
case of married members, the names of both spouses shall be indicated in the
stewardship agreement.

WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES IN GETTING THE CBFMS?

a. The working group will be created, with the CENRO taking the lead. They shall
seed the comments from the LGU concerned regarding applicants for CBFMS;
b. The CENRO shall assist the PO to comply with the requirements (1) Certificate of
registration of the PO; (List of officers & members of the PO & their respective
addressees; (3) Resolution authorizing any of the officers of the PO to file the
application for CBFMA; (4) NCIP certification precondition pursuant to Sec 59 of RA
No. 8371 known as the “Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997.
c. A delineation map which shall form part of the CBFMA shall be submitted within 5
working days. A more precise map shall be prepared by the CENRO based on
actual ground survey.
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d. The CENRO shall review all CBFMA applications within 10 working days upon
receipt. If found in order, he/she shall approve applications covering 500 has. &
below. He/she shall endorse applications with areas more 500 has. to the PENRO.
e. The PENRO shall review & act within 5 working days & shall approve applications
covering the more than 500 has. to 5,000 has. He/she shall endorse areas more
than 5,000 has. to the RED;
f. Applications covering more than 5,000 to 20,000 has, the RED shall approve.
g. Applications covering more than 20,000 has., the Secretary of the DENR thru the
FMB shall approve.

WHAT ARE THE GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE CS/CBFMA?

The terms and conditions of the CS/CBFMA shall be binding. When the CS or
CBFMA is terminated which is not due to the fault or negligence of the CS or CBFMA
holders, they shall be entitled to just compensation on all improvements made in the
CBFMA area based on the fair market value as of date of termination of such
improvements as assessed by government assessor. They shall the right to harvest or
remove temporary improvements as can reasonably be removed consistent with the
applicable policies.

CAN THE CS/CBFMA BE TRANSFERRED?

In case of death or incapacity of the CS holder, the CS shall be transferred to

his/her legal heirs. The CBFMA is non-transferable. However, the PO may enter into
contracts with private or government agencies for the development of the entire area or
portions thereof and/or other economic activities; Provided that transparent contracting
procedures are followed; Provided that development and/or activities are consistent
with the CRMF; Provided further that in case of failure to fulfill the terms & conditions of
the CBFMA by the subcontractor, accountability shall be borne by the CBFMA holder.
The PO may also use as collateral the standing crops in the area planted by them,
subject to the affirmation of the DENR issuing authority concerned.

C. The Planning Stage

The objective of this stage is to assist the Pos in preparing their CRMF & 5-year
work plans. The DENR shall enlist the support of the LGU & NCIPO (if there are IPs
involved) & assist the Pos in undertaking the planning activity.

WHAT IS COMMUNITY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK?

The CRMF is a strategic plan of the community on how to manage & benefit
from the forest resources on a sustainable basis. It describes the community’s long-
term vision, aspiration, commitments & strategies for the protection, rehabilitation,
development & utilization of forest resources. The CRMF shall provide the detailed
activities for the first 5 years which shall serve as the 5-year work plan of the PO. The
steps in the preparation of the CRMF are:

a. PO orientation/PO planning team’s training on CRMF preparation.

b. Defining the VMGO
c. Determination of the components of the CRMF

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF CRMF?

i. Livelihood enterprise development

ii. Land-uses within the CBFM area
iii. Market Information System
iv. Criteria & indicators for CBFM
v. Financing strategy & accessing resource funds
vi. Networking & linkaging
vii. Consultation & ratification of CRMF

HOW IS CRMF AFFIRMED?

The ratified CRMF shall be jointly endorsed by the PO & CENRO concerned,
together with the minutes of the consultation, within 15 working days to the PENRO for
affirmation. This affirmation is the manifestation of the commitment of the DENR to
support the PO in the implementation of the commitment of the DENR to support the
 12
PO in the implementation of the plan. It shall be considered affirmed after the lapse of
15 working days.

The CRMF once affirmed shall also serve as the Initial Environmental
Examination (IEE) for CBFM, which describes the environmental impacts of and
mitigation & enhancement measures for activities to be undertaken in the area. The
affirmed CRMF shall be made as basis for the issuance of Environmental Compliance
Certificate (ECC) by the Regional Director of the DENR. The affirmed CRMF shall
likewise be reviewed whenever necessary, but in no case no longer than 5 years. The
SWOT of the different components shall be used in the revision of the CRMF.

WHAT ARE THE CONTENTS OF THE 5-YEAR WORK PLAN?

It shall contain the baseline information, detailed strategies, activities & targets
for 5 years on protection, rehabilitation, development & resource utilization,
organizational strengthening, financing, marketing & enterprise development. It shall
include the annual activities & work targets of the PO for the period covered by the plan
include the annual activities & work targets of the PO for the period covered by the plan
& shall be prepared 3 months before the expiration of the existing plan, for affirmation
by the CENRO.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE PREPARATION OF 5-YEAR PLAN?

a. PO orientation/PO planning team’s training on the 5-yr WP
b. Preparation of the 5-year WP
c. Ratification of 5-year WP.

HOW IS 5-YEAR WP AFFIRMED?

The ratified WP shall be endorsed by the PO for affirmation by the CENRO to
confirm that it has been prepared in a participatory manner. The affirmation of the 5-
year WP by the CENRO shall be deemed as an approval of the plan & a confirmation of
the DENRs active involvement in its preparation of the plan.

D. Implementation Stage

The objectives of this stage are: (1) enhance organizational & institutional
capacities; (2) enhance the economic viability of resource management activities; (3)
ensure the flow & equitable distribution of benefits to PO members & to the larger
community; (4) ensure the build-up of capital by the PO for forest management &
community development projects.

WHAT ARE THE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT OF CBFM AREAS?

The management & development activities of CBFM areas shall be in

accordance with the CRMF, which include among others; plantation establishment of
open areas & application of silvicultural programs such as TSI, ANR, other silvicultural
management systems in plantation & natural forests, development of non-timber forest
resources, & activity for biodiversity utilization & conservation. The agro-forestry, mixed
plantation of agricultural crops, fruit trees shall be done in areas identified to be suitable
for agriculture.

Forest Protection & Conservation.

The PO with assistance from the CENRO & LGU shall be primarily responsible
for the protection & conservation of the natural resources with the coverage of the
CBFMA. The PO shall likewise assist the government in the protection of adjacent
forestlands & take active part in the protection activities. The DENR shall deputized
qualified PO members as DENR Officers to have legal authority to apprehend illegal
loggers/cutters.

Harvesting, processing & transport of forest & biodiversity products in CBFM

areas shall be in accordance with existing rules & regulations.

Production Sharing Scheme from Government-owned Plantation within CBFM

Areas.
All forest products harvested from forest plantation established using
government funds or plantation established by former TLA holders shall be subject to
sharing agreement negotiated between the CBFMA holder & the DENR pursuant to
existing rules & regulations.
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WHO WILL MONITOR & MANAGE THE CBFM PROGRAM?

A participatory mode of M&E through a multi-sectoral or composite team

composed of representatives from RENRO, PENRO, CENRO, LGU, AOs/NGOs &
other concerned sectors.

WHO COMPOSED THE CBFM STEERING COMMITTEE?

The Committee, created in Section 8 of EO 263 is chaired by the DENR

Secretary with members from the DA, DTI, DOF, DOST, DOLE, DILG DBM, DND,
DOJ, NEDA, PCCD under the Office of the President, Committee on Flagship
Programs & Projects of the Office of the President, CDA, NCIP and the President of
the National CBFM PO Federation. The Steering Committee shall have the following
roles & functions:

i. Formulate policy/guidelines and provide overall guidance & policy direction for
implementation of the CBFMP
ii. When majority of the membership of the PO, through a resolution, request
for the nullification of the CBFMA based on valid grounds as verified by the
DENR and/or the LGU concerned;
iii. When actual occupants/direct stakeholders in the area were displaced or
excluded without valid cause by the CBFMA awardee;
iv. Serious/continued violations of applicable forestry laws, rules & regulations;
v. When the CBFMA holder fails to comply with terms & conditions of the
agreement after 3 written notices by the CENRO duly received by the
holder.

GUIDELINES, ORDERS & ISSUANCES RELATED TO CBFMP

DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2004-29 – Revised rules & regulations for the
implementation of Executive Order 263, otherwise known as the Community-Based Forest
Management Strategy.

JOINT DENR DILG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR – Strengthening & institutionalizing the DENR-
DILG-LGU partnership on devolved & OTHER Forest Management functions.

DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 30 S. 2004 – Revised rules & regulations governing the
socialized Industrial Forest Management Program.

DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 96-29 – Rules and Regulations for the Implementation of
Executive Order No. 263, Otherwise known as the Community Based Forest Management
Strategy (CBFMS)

DENR MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 97-11 - Operationalization of the CBFMP at the

Regional, PENR and CENR Offices.

DENR MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 97-12 – Guidelines for the Formulation of Community
Resource Management Framework and Annual Work Plan for Community Based Forest
Management Areas.

DENR MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 97-13 – Adopting the DENR Strategic Action Plan for
CBFM

DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 98-10 – Guidelines on the Establishment and

Management of Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) Projects within Mangrove
Areas.

DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 92-30 – Guidelines for the Transfer and Implementation
of DENR Functions Devolved to the Local Government Units.

DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 93-02 - rules and Regulations for the Identification,
Delineation and Recognition of Ancestral Land and Domain Claims.

DENR MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 93-13 – Share of local Government Units (LGUs) from
the Utilization and Development of Forestry Resources within their Area of Jurisdiction.
 14
DENR MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 96-31 – amendment to the DENR Memo Circular No.
13, series of 1993 re: Share of Local Government Units (LGUs) from the Utilization and
Development of Forest Resources within their Area of Jurisdiction.

DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 96-34 – Guidelines on the Management of Certified

Ancentral Domain Claims

DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 98-10 – establishing the Forest Resources Securitization
Strategy for Mobilization of Private Capitals to Support Sustainable Forestry in the Philippines.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 72 – Providing for the preparation and Implementation of the
Comprehensive Land Use Plans of Local Government Units Pursuant to the Local Government
Code of 1991 and Other Pertinent Laws.

DILG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 95-94 – Initial Guidelines Accompanying the President’s
Memorandum Addressed to all LGUs dated 17 June 1995 Entitled “Recommendations Raised
During the Gathering for Human and Ecological Security” AA Conference of Population,
Environmental and Peace.”

DILG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 95-130 - supplementary Guidelines to DILG

Memorandum Circular No. 95-94 dated duly 10, 1995 on Initial Guidelines Accompanying the
President’s Memorandum Addressed to all LGUs dated June 17, 1995 Entitled,
“Recommendations Raised During the Gathering for Human and Ecological Security: AA
Conference of Population, Environmental and Peace.”

DILG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 96-143 – enjoining Support to the Community Forestry
Program

DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER (DAO) 98-44 (June 24, 1998) - Guidelines on the
Establishment Management of the CBFM Special Account

DAO NO. 98-43 – Exemption of Community Based Forest Management Projects from the
Payment of Administrative Files

DAO NO. 98-42 (June 24, 1998) – Production Sharing Agreement with People’s Organization in
the Harvest of Forest Plantation Owned by the Government Inside CBFM Areas.

DAO NO. 98-41 (June 24, 1998) – Guidelines on the Establishment and Management (CBFM)
Project within Watershed Reservations.

MC NO. 98-10 (June 24, 1998) – Test Implementation of the project Impact Monitoring and
Evaluation Systems (PRIMES) as monitoring and evaluation guidelines for CBFMP.

DAO NO. 98-09 – Amending Sections 3,6,7, & 10 of DAO No. 4, series of 1991, governing the
deputation of Environment and Natural Resources.

MC NO. 98-09 (June 24, 1998) – Additional Guidelines on the Issuance of Interim Resources
Use Permit IRUP.

MC NO. 98-08 (June 24, 1998) Guidelines on Contracting Inside CBFM areas

MC NO. 98-01 – Manual of Procedures for DENR – DILG-LGU Partnership on Devolved and
Other Forest Management Functions

DAO NO. 93-02 – Rules and Regulations for the Identification, Delineation and Recognition of
Ancestral Land and Domain Claims.

DAO NO. 96-34. Guidelines on the Management of Certified Ancestral Domain Claims.

MALACANANG MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 213. Approving and Directing the

Implementation of the Social Reform Agenda.