Published in November 2003 by:

The Philippine Environmental Governance Program, Department

of Environment and Natural Resources, Manila

with technical and production support from:

The Philippine Environmental Governance Project

Produced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-United States Agency for International
Development’s (DENR-USAID) Philippine Environmental Governance (EcoGov) Project under USAID
Contract Number PCE-1-00-99-00002-00. The views expressed and opinions contained in this publication
are those of the authors and are not intended as statements of policy of USAID or the authors’ parent
organization.
 Foreword

This primer reflects the commitment of the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to work closely with
local government units (LGUs) in managing the country’s natural
resources.

The Local Government Code, enacted in 1991, enshrines the

right and obligation of the LGUs to “share with the national
government the responsibility in the management and main-
tenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdictions.”
To date, however, only a few cases of such partnership in forest
management are in existence.

This material discusses the roles of the DENR, the DILG and the
LGUs in forest management, citing significant provisions of the
DENR-DILG Joint Memorandum Circulars (98-01 and 2003-01)
that spell out how such a partnership could take place. It hopes
to serve as a guide in forging a closer alliance between the national
government and the LGUs towards the attainment of a common
goal—to provide effective “on site” forest management.

With such a partnership, it is expected that concerted efforts to

protect, preserve and rehabilitate the country’s forests shall
improve while ensuring that all those qualified to share in their
bounty are given equal opportunities without sacrificing the
resource’s sustainability.

Elisea G. Gozun Jose D. Lina, Jr.

DENR Secretary DILG Secretary

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management i

 Acronyms

ADMP - Ancestral Domain Management Program

CARP - Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
CBFM - Community-Based Forest Management
CBFMP - Community-Based Forest Management
Program
CENRO - Community Environment and Natural
Resources Officer
CEP - Coastal Environment Program
CFP - Community Forestry Program
DAO - Department Administrative Order
DENR - Department of Environment and Natural
Resources
DILG - Department of the Interior and Local
Government
ENRC - Environment and Natural Resources Council
EO - Executive Order
FLMP - Forest Land Management Program
FMB - Forest Management Bureau
RA - Republic Act
FLUP - Forest Land Use Plan
ISFP - Integrated Social Forestry Program
JMC - Joint Memorandum Circular
LGU - Local Government Unit
LIUCP - Low Income Upland Community Program
MFPC - Multisectoral Forest Protection Committee
MOA - Memorandum of Agreement
NCIP - National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
NIPAS - National Integrated Protected Areas Systems
NSC - National Steering Committee
NTWG - National Technical Working Group
PD - Presidential Decree
PENRO - Provincial Environment and Natural Resources
Officer
RED - Regional Executive Director
RRMP - Regional Resource Management Program
USEC - Undersecretary

ii DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

 PRIMER ON
DENR-DILG-LGU PARTNERSHIP
IN FOREST MANAGEMENT

1 Which government agency is primarily responsible

for forests and forest lands of the country?

The Department of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR) is the government agency
which has primary responsibility over forests and
forest lands. Executive Order (EO) No. 192, Series
of 1987, states:

“Sec. 4. The Department shall be the primary

government agency responsible for the conser-
vation, management, development and proper
use of the country’s environment and natural
resources, specifically forest and grazing lands,
mineral resources, including those in reservation
and watershed areas, and lands of the public
domain, as well as the licensing and regulation
of all natural resources as may be provided by
law in order to ensure equitable sharing of the
benefits derived therefrom for the welfare of the
present and future generations of Filipinos.”

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 1

 2
What is the role of local government units (LGUs)
in natural resources management?

LGUs should work hand in hand with the DENR in

managing the country’s natural resources. Book I,
Chapter 2, Sec. 3 of the Local Government Code,
otherwise known as Republic Act (RA) 7160,
provides:

“Local government units shall share with the

national government the responsibility in the
management and maintenance of ecological
balance within their territorial jurisdictions …”

3 What are the key provisions of RA 7160 on devolved

forest management functions to LGUs?

The key provisions are:

For a province

“Pursuant to national policies and subject to the

supervision, control and review of the DENR, (the
province shall be involved in the) enforcement
of forestry laws limited to community-based
forestry projects, x x x.” [Sec. 17, (b)(3)(iii)]

For a municipality

“Pursuant to national polices and subject to

supervision, control and review of the DENR, (the
municipality shall be involved in the)
implementation of community-based forestry
projects, which include Integrated Social Forestry
programs and similar projects; management and
control of communal forest with an area not
exceeding fifty (50) square kilometers;
establishment of tree parks, greenbelts, and
similar forest development projects.” [Sec. 17,
(b) (2) (ii)]

2 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

 For a city

“All the services and facilities of the municipali-

ties and provinces [Sec. 17 (b) (4)].”

This means that the cities will carry out the same
functions or roles as those devolved to the
provinces and municipalities.

4
What did the DENR and the Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG) issue in
response to RA 7160?

The DENR and the DILG issued the following:

a) DENR Department Administrative Order (DAO)

92-30 entitled “Guidelines for the Transfer and
Implementation of DENR Functions Devolved
to the Local Government Units”
b) DENR – DILG Joint Memorandum Circular
(JMC) No. 98-01 entitled “Manual of
Procedures for DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership
on Devolved and other Forest Management
Functions”
c) DENR-DILG JMC No. 2003-01 entitled
“Strengthening the DENR-DILG-LGU Partner-
ship on Devolved and other Forest Manage-
ment Functions”

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 3

 5 What are the key features of DENR DAO 92-30?

The following are the DAO’s salient features:

a) Under Sec. 1 of DENR DAO 92-30, the transfer

and implementation of certain DENR functions
devolved to the LGUs shall be governed by the
following policies:

The DENR shall remain as the primary

government agency responsible for the
conservation, management, protection,
development and proper use of the country’s
environment and natural resources and the
promotion of sustainable development;
The LGUs shall share with the national
government, particularly the DENR, the
responsibility in the sustainable management
and development of the environment and
natural resources within their territorial
jurisdictions;
The implementation of the devolved
functions by the municipalities and cities and
the enforcement of laws, rules and regula-
tions pertaining to the devolved functions, as
provided for in the Local Government Code,
shall be pursuant to national policies and
subject to supervision, control and review of
the DENR. Provided that, when necessary,
the concerned provinces, cities and munici-
palities shall enter into administrative
arrangements to effectively and efficiently
enforce the laws, rules and regulations
pertaining to the devolved functions; and

4 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

 Programs, projects or activities which are
wholly or partially funded from foreign
sources or those included as agency budget-
ary program, project, or item under the
General Appropriations Act, pertinent EOs
and other special laws, including the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
(CARP), shall be exempt from devolution,
thus, retained by the DENR.

b) Devolution of the following functions, programs

and projects of the DENR to the concerned
LGUs:

Forest Management (Sec. 3.1)

i) Implementation of the following community-
based forestry projects: Integrated Social
Forestry Projects, currently
funded out of regular
appropriations, except at
least one project per
province that shall serve
as research and training
laboratory, as identified by
the DENR, and those
areas located in protected
areas and critical water-
sheds;
ii) Establishment of new regular reforestation
projects, except those areas located in
protected areas and critical watersheds;
iii) Completed family and community-based
contract reforestation projects, subject to
policies and procedures prescribed by the
DENR;
iv) Forest Land Management Agreements, in
accordance with DAO No. 71, Series of
1990 and other guidelines that the DENR
may adopt; and

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 5

 v) Community Forestry Projects, subject to
concurrence of financing institutions, if
foreign assisted.

Management and control of communal

forests with an area not exceeding 50 sq km
or 5,000 ha, provided the concerned LGU
shall endeavor to convert these areas into
community forestry projects;
Management, protection, rehabilitation and
maintenance of small watershed areas which
are sources of local water supply as identified
or to be identified by the DENR; and
Enforcement of forestry laws in community-
based forestry project areas, small watershed
areas and communal forests, such as but not
limited to:

i) Prevention of forest fires, illegal cutting and

kaingin;
ii) Apprehension of violators of forest laws,
rules and regulations;
iii) Confiscation of illegally extracted forest
products on site;
iv) Imposition of appropriate penalties for illegal
logging, smuggling of natural resources
products and of endangered species of flora
and fauna, slash and burn farming and other
unlawful activities; and

6 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

 v) Confiscation, forfeiture and disposition of
conveyances, equipment and other
implements used in the commission of
offenses penalized under Presidential
Decree (PD) 705 (Revising PD 389,
otherwise known as the Forestry Reform
Code of the Philippines) as amended by EO
277, Series of 1987 (Amending Sec. 68 of
PD 705, as amended, otherwise known as
the Revised Forestry Code of the
Philippines) and other forestry laws, rules
and regulations.

Protected Areas and Wildlife (Sec. 3.2)

Establishment, protection and maintenance

of tree parks, greenbelts and other tourist
attractions in areas identified and delineated
by the DENR except those covered by the
Integrated Protected Areas System, as
defined by law, and the collection of fees for
their services and the use of facilities
established therein.
Except export and import, regulation of flora
outside protected areas including industries
and businesses engaged in their propagation
and development, such as orchidaria and
nurseries. Provided that such businesses
and industries are registered with the DENR
for monitoring purposes.

c) Appointment or designation of LGU Environ-

ment and Natural Resources Officer who shall
take responsibility for the planning and
implementation of the devolved functions.
(Sec. 5)

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 7

 d) Development by the DENR of a Manual of
Operations1 (within six months from Order)
which shall guide the LGUs in the imple-
mentation of the devolved functions and the
monitoring and evaluation of projects by the
DENR. (Sec. 7)

e) Organization of Environment and Natural

Resources Council or ENRC (within six months
from Order) composed of representatives from
DENR and LGU and other stakeholders to
review and recommend implementation of
programs and projects and perform oversight
functions on matters pertaining to environment
and natural resources. (Sec. 8)

6
What are the key features of DENR-DILG JMC
98-01?

The following are the JMC’s key features:

a) It reiterates the policies enunciated in DENR

DAO 92-30. Additionally, the JMC states that:

Forest land use plans are important tools in

the holistic and efficient management of
forest resources, and mandates DENR and
LGUs together with other government
agencies to undertake forest land use plans
as integral activity of comprehensive land use
planning to determine the optimum and
balance use of natural resources to support
local, regional and national growth and
development. (Sec. 1.3)

1
DENR has developed and issued this manual.

8 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

 To fully prepare LGUs to undertake their
shared responsibilities, the DENR together
with the DILG shall enhance the capacities
of the LGUs in the various aspects of forest
management. (Sec. 1.4)

b) It sets the objectives of JMC 98-01 which are

as follows: ( Sec. 2)

Operationalize devolution of forest manage-

ment functions from the DENR to the LGUs;
Strengthen and institutionalize
DENR-DILG-LGU partner-
ship and cooperation; and
Serve as reference in the
implementation, monitoring
and evaluation of devolved
and other forest manage-
ment functions.

c) It mandates the set-

ting up of mechanisms
for the DENR-DILG-LGU
stakeholders partnership and as
oversight for the implementation and
monitoring of the devolution and partnerships,
as follows: (Sec. 6)

National Level

Creation of a National Steering Committee

(NSC) composed of the Secretaries and
Assistant Secretaries for Planning of DENR
and DILG and the Presidents of the Leagues
of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities.

The NSC will be supported by a National

Technical Working Group (NTWG) to be
composed of the Director, Forest Manage-
ment Bureau; Planning and Policy Service

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 9

 Office, DENR; the Bureau of Local Govern-
ment, Development and Supervision of the
DILG and representatives of the Leagues.

The NSC will formulate policies and prog-

rams towards strengthening the devolution
and partnership.

Regional Level

Creation of Regional Steering Committees

to oversee devolution and partnership. It shall
be composed of the DENR Regional Execu-
tive Director, the DILG Regional Director and
representatives from the leagues.

The Regional Technical Director for Forestry

of the DENR shall serve as the Secretariat.

Provincial, City and Municipal Levels

Creation of working groups to put into

operation the devolution of forest manage-
ment functions from DENR to LGUs and
strengthening and institutionalizing DENR-
DILG-LGU partnership.

These functions may be lodged in local

committees already existing such as the
Multisectoral Forest Protection Committees
(MFPCs), ENRCs and other development
councils.

d) It provides for the general procedures for

establishing the partnership, and putting in
operation the devolution as follows: (Sec. 7.2)

Setting up of NSC
Setting up of Regional Steering Committees
by the NSC

10 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

 Setting up of Provincial, City and Municipal
Working Groups

These committees and working groups shall

come up with strategic plans on how to
operationalize the partnership and start the
devolutionary process and institutionalize the
partnership.

e) The JMC also provides for specific guidelines

on how devolution can be done, and for the
documentation of forest management projects
and functions devolved from the DENR to the
LGUs (Sec. 8 and 7.4).

7
What are the key features of DENR-DILG JMC
2003-01?

The following are the JMC’s salient features:

a) It reiterates previous issuances and calls for

the acceleration of the collaboration,
partnership, coordination and institutionalization
of the working relationships among DENR,
DILG and the LGUs in forest management.

b) It calls for the convening of the NSC without

further delay and the forging of a Memorandum
of Agreement (MOA) to specify the roles and
functions of member institutions (Sec. 1).

c) It calls for the forging of DENR-DILG-LGU

partnership at the regional, provincial, city
and municipal levels by directing the
DENR offices to coordinate with the
heads of the DILG and LGUs
(Sec. 2).

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 11

 d) It directs that the devolution of forest manage-
ment functions should also proceed without delay.
As such, identification, delineation and
establishment of communal forests, community
watersheds, greenbelts, tree parks and
reforestation areas should be prioritized so that
these may be devolved to the LGUs. ( Sec. 4
and Sec. 3.1)

e) It allows both DENR and LGUs to co-manage a

certain forest area, if they so agree.

The DENR officers who are authorized to enter

into MOA with LGU (based on the size of the area
to be co-managed) are as follows:

For forest areas up to 1,000 ha CENRO

More than 1,000 ha up to 5,000 ha PENRO
More than 5,000 ha up to 15,000 ha RED
More than 15,000 ha up to 30,000 ha USEC for
Operations
More than 30,000 ha Secretary

The MOA should specify the roles, responsi-

bilities and accountabilities of the various offices
and officers (Sec. 4).

f) It also reiterates the provision in JMC 98-01

calling for the preparation of Forest Land Use
Plan (FLUP) as the basis for the comprehensive
development of forest lands over a particular area
(Sec. 6).

g) It also reiterates LGU participation in the issuance

of tenure instruments and permits.

12 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

 Under JMC 2003-01, before DENR can issue
tenure instruments and permits, the applica-
tions must first be submitted to the concerned
LGU for comments. The LGU is given 15 days
to give its comments. If the tenure instrument
or permit was issued without the LGU’s
comments, activities in the forest area will be
suspended until such time that the comments
of the concerned LGU are received (Sec. 7).

h) It provides that deliberate refusal, delay or

inexcusable negligence by DENR, DILG or
LGU officials not to perform their duties or to
effect LGU involvement and partnership may
subject the concerned officer to administrative
disciplinary sanctions (Sec. 11).

8
Can an LGU enter into a co-management agreement
with the DENR or another government entity without
an FLUP?

As much as
possible, an
FLUP must be
completed
before LGUs
enter into a co-
management
agreement with
the DENR or
other govern-
ment entities.
The FLUP serves as the basis for the allocation of
forests and forest lands and the issuance of tenure
instruments.

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 13

 9
Does the FLUP have to be approved before an LGU
can enter into a co-management agreement?

As much as possible, the FLUP must have been

approved before LGUs enter into a co-management
agreement with the DENR or other government
entities.

10
Are there existing models of devolution and
partnership?

Yes. There are some models for DENR-LGU

partnership such as the one in Nueva Vizcaya
where some 20,000 ha of forest lands are being
co-managed by the provincial government and the
DENR.

There is also the DENR-

LGU partnership in
Baggao, Cagayan
where the local DENR
and the municipal
government set up a
Community-Based
Forest Management
(CBFM) Council com-
posed of representatives
from the two agencies
and other institutions
meeting regularly to
monitor CBFM activities
in the municipality.

14 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

11
What other experiences in partnership do we have
involving DENR, LGUs and other stakeholders?

Aside from the Nueva Vizcaya and Baggao

Cagayan experience, there is also the MFPC
collaboration.

In MFPC, the LGUs and other stakeholders come

together to assist DENR in forest protection. The
MFPC is credited largely for assisting DENR in
containing illegal logging in many parts of the
country. The MFPC is now being proposed to be
institutionalized in the Sustainable Forest
Management Act.

12
What are the potential impacts of devolution,
partnership and co-management as contained in
DENR-DILG JMC 2003-01 in relation to DENR
DAO 92-30 and DENR-DILG JMC 98-01?

a. Job creation and improved forest cover as a

result of localized and increased investments
by LGUs and private sectors in forest
plantations;
b. DENR would be able to concentrate more on
providing forest management services and
setting the standards for assessing the
performance of LGUs and other partners in
forest and forest lands management;
c. Opportunity to put in place good governance
principles of devolution, transparency,
accountability and participatory decision
making;

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 15

 d) Provide a new dimension in forest management
(e.g., livelihood opportunities, health and
sanitation, legal assistance to peoples’
organizations, etc.);
e) Improved enforcement of forestry laws and
regulations to address threats such as illegal
logging ang forest conversion; and
f) A more localized approach to resolving conflicts
in the use and management of forest and forest
lands.

16 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

Annexes
1. DENR-DILG JMC No. 98-01

2. DENR-DILG JMC No. 2003-01

 Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND

NATURAL RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND
LOCAL GOVERNMENT

JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR

NO. 98-01

MANUAL OF PROCEDURES FOR DENR-DILG-LGU PARTNERSHIP ON DEVOLVED AND

OTHER FOREST MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS

Pursuant to Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991,
Presidential Decree 705 as amended, otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the
Philippines; Executive Order No. 192 defining the mandates, organization, and functions of the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DENR Administrative Order No. 30,
Series of 1992 prescribing the guidelines for the transfer and implementation of DENR functions;
the following Manual of Procedures is hereby promulgated to effectively implement devolution of
forest management functions and enhance partnership between the LGUs and the DENR.

Section 1. Basic Policies

Subject to the general policies on devolution as contained in RA 7160 and DENR Administrative
Order No. 30, Series of 1992, the following basic policies shall govern the implementation of DENR-
DILG-LGU partnership on devolved and other forest management functions:

1.1 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall be the primary
government agency responsible for the conservation, management, protection, proper use
and sustainable development of the country’s environment and natural resources.
1.2 The LGUs shall share with DENR the responsibility in the sustainable management and
development of the forest resources within their territorial jurisdiction. Toward this end, the
DENR and the LGUs shall endeavor to strengthen their collaboration and partnership in forest
management.
1.3 Comprehensive land use and forest land use plans are important tools in the holistic and
efficient management of forest resources. Toward this end, the DENR and the LGUs together
with other government agencies shall undertake forest land use planning as an integral activity
of comprehensive land use planning to determine the optimum and balanced use of natural
resources to support local, regional and national growth and development.
1.4 To fully prepare the LGUs to undertake their shared responsibilities in the sustainable
management of forest land resources, the DENR, in coordination with DILG, shall enhance the
capacities of the LGUs in the various aspects of forest management.
Initially, the DENR shall coordinate, guide and train the LGUs in the management of the devolved
functions. As the LGUs’ capacity in forest management is enhanced, the primary tasks in the
management of devolved functions shall be performed by the LGUs and the role of the DENR
becomes assistive and coordinative.
1.5 To further the ends of local autonomy, the DENR in consultation with the LGUs shall devolved
additional functions and responsibilities to the local government units, or enter into agreements
with them for enlarged forest management and other ENR-related functions.

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 19

1.6 To seek advocacy, popular support and ultimately help achieve community empowerment,
DENR and DILG shall forge the partnership and cooperation of the LGUs and other concerned
sectors in seeking and strengthening the participation of local communities for forest
management including enforcement of forestry laws, rules and regulations.

Section 2. Objectives

This Manual of Procedures has the following objectives:

2.1 Operationalize and make effective the devolution of forest management functions from the
DENR to the LGUs as contained in Republic Act 7160 and DENR Administrative Order No. 30,
Series of 1992.
2.2 Strengthen and institutionalize DENR-DILG-LGU partnership and cooperation on devolved
and other forest management functions.
2.3 Serve as reference for the DENR, DILG and the LGUs in the implementation, monitoring and
evaluation of devolved and other forest management functions.

Section 3. Provisions of RA 7160 on Devolved Forest Management Functions from DENR to

LGUs

The pertinent provisions of RA 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) providing for the
devolution of forest management functions from the DENR to the LGUs are cited below.

“SECTION 17. Basic Services and Facilities. (a) Local government units shall endeavor to be self-
reliant and shall continue exercising the powers and discharging the duties and functions currently
vested upon them. They shall also discharge the functions and responsibilities of national agencies
and offices devolved to them pursuant to this Code. Local government units shall likewise exercise
such other powers and discharge such other functions and responsibilities as are necessary,
appropriate, or incidental to efficient and effective provision of the basic services and facilities
enumerated therein; (b) Such basic services and facilities include, but are not limited to, the following:”

3.1 For a Province

“Pursuant to national policies and subject to supervision, control and review of the DENR,
enforcement of forestry laws limited to community-based forestry projects, xxx.” Sec. 17, (b)
(3) (iii)

3.2 For a Municipality

“Extension and on-site research services and facilities related to x x x, and enforcement
of fishery laws in municipal waters including the conservation of mangroves.” Sec. 17 (b) (2) (i)
“Pursuant to national policies and subject to supervision, control and review of the DENR,
implementation of community-based forestry projects, which include integrated social forestry
programs and similar projects; management and control of communal forest with an area not
exceeding fifty (50) square kilometers, establishment of tree parks, greenbelts, and similar
forest development projects.” Sec. 17 (b) (2) (ii)

20 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

3.3 For a City
“All the services and facilities of the municipality and provinces, xxx.” Sec. 17 (b) (4)
The other provisions of the Code that pertain to forest management functions to be performed
by the local government units and/or their chief executives are:

3.4 To the Municipal Mayor

“For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the general
welfare of the municipality government, and in this connection shall: x x x Adopt adequate
measures to safeguard and conserve x x x forest, and other resources of the municipality ; x x
x Sec. 444 (b) (3) (vii)

3.5 To the Sangguniang Bayan

“Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective municipal
government, and in this connection shall: x x x Protect the environment and impose appropriate
penalties for acts which endanger the environment, such as x x x illegal logging and smuggling
of logs, smuggling of natural resources products and of endangered species of flora and fauna,
slash and burn farming x x x.” Sec. 447 (a) (1) (vi)
”Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the basic
services and facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code, and in addition to said
services and facilities, shall: Provide for the establishment, maintenance, protection, and
conservation of communal forests and watersheds, tree parks, greenbelts, mangroves, and
other similar forest development projects.” Sec.447 (a) (5) (i)

3.6 To the City Mayor

“Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities as provided
for under Section 17 of this Code x x x.” Sec. 455 (b) (4)

3.7 To the Sangguniang Panglungsod

“Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective city
government, and in this connection, shall: x x x Protect the environment and impose appropriate
penalties for acts which endanger the environment, such as x x x illegal logging and smuggling
of logs, smuggling of natural resources products and endangered species of flora and fauna,
slash and burn farming, x x x.” Sec. 458 (a) (1) (vi)
“Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of basic services
and facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code, and in addition to said services
and facilities, shall: Provide for the establishment, maintenance, protection and conservation
of communal forests and watersheds, tree parks, greenbelts, mangroves, and other similar
forest development projects.” Sec. 458 (a) (5) (i)

3.8 To the Provincial Governor

“For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the general
welfare of the province and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this Code, the provincial
governor shall:
“Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve x x x, forest and other resources
of the province, in coordination with the mayors of component cities and municipalities:” 465
(b) (3) (v)
“Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities as provided
for under Section 17 of this Code, x x x.” Sec. 456

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 21

3.9 To the Sangguniang Panlalawigan
“Approve ordinances and pass resolution necessary for an efficient and effective provincial
government and in this connection, shall: Protect the environment and impose appropriate
penalties for acts which endanger the environment, such as x x x illegal logging and smuggling
of logs, smuggling of natural resources products and of endangered species of flora and fauna,
slash and burn farming x x x” Sec 468 (a) (1) (vi)
The Local Government Code did not devolve any specific forest management functions
to the barangays.

Section 4. Definitions

4.1 Communal forest refers to a tract of forest land set aside by the Secretary of the DENR upon
the recommendation of the concerned LGU for the use of the residents of a municipality/city.
Said residents may cut, collect and remove forest products for their personal use in accordance
with existing laws and regulations and subject to the provision that utilization of resources
therein shall be in accordance with sustainable development. For this purpose, the concerned
LGU with the assistance of the DENR shall prepare sustainable operations plan prior to any
utilization.
4.2 Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) refers to the DENR Office,
headed by a Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Appointed by the Secretary
of DENR, which is responsible for the implementation of DENR policies, programs, project
and activities and the enforcement of ENR laws and regulations in the community level.
4.3 Community Based Forest Management Program refers to the program involving local
communities which integrates and unites the Integrated Social Forestry Program (ISFP),
Forestry Sector Program, Forestry Sector Project, Forest Land Management Agreement
Program (FLMP), Community Forestry Program (CFP), Ancestral Domains Management
Program (ADMP) and other people oriented forestry projects.
4.4 Community watershed areas refer to forest lands set aside by the Secretary of the DENR
upon the recommendation of the concerned LGU as sources of water supply for specific local
communities subject to the provision that the utilization thereof shall be in accordance with
sustainable development.
4.5 DENR refers to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
4.6 DENRO refers to Deputized Environment and Natural Resources Officer with power and
authority as provided for by law and spelled out in the deputation.
4.7 DILG refers to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
4.8 Devolution refers to the act by which the national government confers power and authority,
upon the various LGUs to perform specific functions and responsibilities.
4.9 Environment and Natural Resources Officer (ENRO) refers to the LGU official who may be
appointed by the concerned Local Chief Executive and who shall be directly responsible for
the Planning and implementation of the devolved DENR functions.
4.10 Foreign-assisted projects refer to DENR projects that are wholly or partially funded from foreign
sources.
4.11 LGU refers to Local Government Unit either at the barangay, municipal, city or provincial level.
4.12 Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) refers to the DENR office,
headed by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer appointed by the Secretary
of the DENR, which is responsible for the implementation of DENR policies, programs and
projects in the province.

22 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

4.13 Protected areas refer to identified portions of land and water set aside by reason of their
unique physical and biological significance and are managed to enhance biological diversity
and protected against destructive human exploitation as provided for in RA 7586, otherwise
known as the National Integrated Protected Areas Systems (NIPAS) Act of 1992.
4.14 Regional Environment and Natural Resources Office (RENRO) refers to the DENR Office
headed by a Regional Executive Director (RED) appointed by the President that is responsible
for the coordination and implementation of all policies, programs and projects on environmental
and natural resources development and conservation of DENR in the region.
4.15 Regular Reforestation Projects refers to reforestation activities funded through regular
appropriation and implemented by DENR field offices by administration or by contracts or both
as distinguished from foreign sourced funds.

Section 5. Forestry Management Programs, Projects and Function of the DENR which have
been Devolved to the Local Government Units

5.1 To the Provinces

5.1.1 The enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations in community based forestry project
areas, community watersheds and communal forests.

5.2 To the Municipalities

5.2.1 The implementation, management, development of and the responsibility for the
sustainability of the community based forestry projects and activities are now devolved
to the municipalities here they are located.
5.2.2 The following projects and activities, therefore, are now part of the functions and
responsibilities of municipalities to which the have been devolved:
(a) Integrated Social Forestry Projects, except at least one project per province, which
has been previously identified as Centers for People Empowerment in the Uplands
and/or Community Training Centers. However, notwithstanding such retention
by the DENR, the management implementation and monitoring of the same shall
be with the participation of the LGUs with the aim of strengthening the capacity of
the LGUs to manage the devolved ISF Projects. when the situation so warrants,
the DENR Secretary may finally devolve all ISF Projects to the municipalities
through MOAs with the LGUs;
(b) Establishment of new regular reforestation projects, except in areas located in
protected areas and critical watersheds;
(c) Completed family and community based contract reforestation projects whether
regularly funded or foreign funded or foreign fund subject to the policies and
procedures of the DENR , except in areas located in protected areas and critical
watersheds;
(d) Management and supervision of areas for forest lands covered by FLMAs;
(e) Community Forestry Projects; and
(f) The management, protection rehabilitation and maintenance of communal forests
and community watershed areas that are sources of local water supply.
5.2.3 The conservation of mangroves has been devolved to the municipalities. Pursuant to
RA 7161 however the cutting of mangrove species is not allowed. The municipalities
therefore should conserve the mangrove areas under the category of protected areas
status.

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 23

5.3 To the Cities

5.3.1 The functions and responsibility of implementing the forestry projects within the territorial
jurisdiction of cities are now devolved to the respective cities. These projects are
those listed above as having been devolved to the municipalities.
5.3.2 The functions and responsibility of enforcing forestry laws, rules and regulations within
community based project areas, community watershed areas and communal forest
that are located within the territorial jurisdiction of the cities are now devolved to the
respective cities.

5.4 To the Barangays

5.4.1 There are no forest management functions and responsibilities that have been devolved
to the barangays.
5.4.2 In spite of the absence of devolved forest management functions to the barangays,
barangays play important roles in protecting the forests as well as in rehabilitating
degraded forest lands within or near their territorial coverage.
5.4.3 Barangay officials may be designated or deputized by the DENR as DENROs subject
to specific rules and regulations to perform environmental functions, including forest
protection upon prior consultation with the local chief executives.

Section 6. Institutional Mechanisms for the Supervision and Monitoring of the DENR-DILG-
LGU Partnership on Devolved and other Forest Management Functions

6.1 National Steering Committee

There is hereby created a National Steering Committee that shall formulate policies and
programs toward strengthening and institutionalizing the DENR-DILG-LGU partnership on
devolved and other forest management functions. The National Steering Committee shall be
composed of the Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries for Planning of the DENR and DILG,
the respective Presidents of the Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities. The Chair
and the Co-Chair of the National Steering Committee shall be the Secretaries of the DENR
and DILG, respectively.
The National Steering Committee, which shall meet at least once a year shall be supported
by a National Technical Working Group to be composed of the Directors of Forest Management
Bureau and Planning and Policy Service Office of the DENR, and the Bureau of Local
Government, Development and Supervision of the DILG and Representatives of the Leagues
of Provinces Provinces, Cities and Municipalities.
The Forest Management Bureau shall act as the Secretariat of the National Technical
Working Group. The FMB Director shall chair the NTWG.
The Secretary of DENR shall initiate the first meeting of the National Steering Committee
together with the National Technical Working Group within thirty (30) days from the approval of
this Manual.

6.2 Regional Steering Committees

Regional Steering Committees are likewise created to oversee and monitor the DENR-
DILG-LGU partnership on devolved and other forest management functions. The Regional
Steering Committee shall be composed of the Regional Executive Director of the DENR, the
Regional Director of the DILG, the RTD for Forestry of the DENR and representatives from the
Regional Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities.

24 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

 The Regional Executive Director of the DENR shall initiate the first meeting of said Regional
Steering Committee. The Chair and Co-Chair of the committee shall be the Regional Executive
Director of DENR and the Regional Director of DILG, respectively.
The office of the RTD for Forestry shall serve as the Secretariat of the Regional Steering
committee.

6.3 Provincial, City and Municipal Working Groups

Provincial, City and Municipal Working Groups may also be created to monitor the
implementation of the DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership on devolved and other forest management
functions in accordance with Section 7 of this Manual.
Where there are already committees in the provincial, city and municipal levels where the
DENR and the LGUs are also members such as the Multisectoral Forest Protection Committees
(MFPCs), ENR Councils, Provincial Development Councils, Municipal Development Councils
or other similar committees, the functions of the Steering Communities and Working Groups
provided above may be lodged in said committees; Provided: a) said committees are fully
apprised on this Manual and their responsibilities in carrying out their mandates; b) said
committees pass a written resolution resolving to carry out the mandates of this Manual; c) the
monitoring of the devolved and partnership functions of the DENR and LGU is forest
management be a regular item in every meeting of the committees; and d) said committees
come up with a strategy on how to carry out the objectives of this Manual.
The REDs of the DENR shall report to the National Steering Committee progress along
this line and recommend such other measures to effectively monitor and evaluate the devolved
forest management functions and other devolved functions.

Section 7. General Procedures In the DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership on Devolved and other

Forest Management Activities

7.1 Strategic Planning

Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Manual, the Regional Steering Committee
shall convene provincial workshops among Governors, Mayors and their technical assistants,
PENROs and CENROs, to, among others:

a) Develop a program for information, education and communication campaigns on this

Manual.
b) Prepare a strategic plan on how to strengthen and institutionalize the DENR-DILG-LGU
partnership on devolved and other forest management functions.
The strategic plan shall include, among others, joint land use planing, resources sharing,
and training for LGU capacitation on forest management.
c) Creation of Working Groups composed of representatives from DENR, DILG and LGU in
the provincial, city and municipal levels to oversee the implementation of devolved and
forest management functions and the strengthening and institutionalizing DENR- DILG-
LGU partnership.

At the end of the workshops, the participants shall pass a resolution embodying the various
agreements arrived at. Said resolution, strategic plan and the National Steering Committee
through the National Technical Working Group for consideration.

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 25

7.2 Appointment or Designation of ENRO Officers
To effectively implement the devolved and partnership activities, and to fully capacitate
the LGUs in forest management activities, the concerned LGU my appoint or designate an
Environment and Natural Resources Officer. The creation of an ENR Office in the LGUs shall
also be encouraged.
In areas where the LGUs cannot yet afford to hire an ENR Officer, or is not yet ready to
appoint or designate an ENR Officer, the LGU concerned may enter into administrative
arrangement with the local DENR Office such that the latter may second to the LGU either on
a full time or part time basis one of its environmental officers who shall act as ENRO for the
LGU.
Said seconded DENR Officer shall be the acting ENRO for the LGU. The LGU shall
designate and understudy of said seconded DENR Officer

7.3 Provision of Technical Assistance

To ensure LGU capacitation in forest management and other ENR activities, the DENR
shall conduct continuous training activities for LGU officials and their respective technical staff.
The Regional Steering Committees and the Provincial, City and Municipal Working Groups
shall prepare the necessary training designs and sources of funds for the conduct of training,
upon request of the concerned.

7.4 Documentation of Forest Management Projects and Functions Devolved to the LGUs
Forest management projects and functions devolved from the DENR to the LGUs shall
be fully documented. Documentation shall include among others a Memorandum of Agreement
on projects and functions devolved, personnel, equipment and other resources so transferred
from the DENR to the LGU and acceptance of the same by the LGU.
The DENR Officer authorized to enter into MOA with the LGU on devolved forest
management functions and projects shall be as follows:
for forest areas up to 1,000 has CENRO
more than 1,000 has up to 5,000 has PENRO
more than 5,000 has up to 15,000 has RED
more than 15,000 has up to 30,000 has Undersecretary for Field Operation
more than 30,000 has Secretary

7.5 Monitoring and Evaluation

The DENR and the concerned DILG office and/or LGU shall conduct periodic monitoring
of activities for the DENR-DILG-LGU partnership in devolved and other forest management
functions.

Section 8. Specific Guidelines and Procedures for the Effective Implementation of Devolved
Forest Management Projects and Functions

8.1 Community Based Forest Management

The Community Based Forest Management Program (CBFMP) integrates all people-
oriented forestry programs including the Integrated Social Forestry Program (ISFP), which
have been devolved to the LGUs, Community Forestry Program (CFP), Forest Land
Management Program (FLMP), Regional Resource Management Program (RRMP), Low
Income Upland Community Program (LIUCP), Coastal Environment Program (CEP) and
Ancestral Domains/Lands Claims Management Program (ADMP). The CBFM Program shall
be strengthened through the partnership of the DENR and the LGU.

26 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

 8.1.1 Existing CBFM Projects
Existing CBFM Projects shall be reviewed and assessed jointly by the PENRO,
Provincial ENRO, representatives of the concerned municipal government, and
CENRO having jurisdiction of the said CBFM Projects. The assessment/review shall
include, but not limited to the following:
(a) Inventory of all CBFM projects within the province, city or municipality;
(b) Provision by DENR to concerned LGUs of copies of pertinent records, documents,
maps and other information of all CBFM projects within the LGUs jurisdiction. In
like manner, the concerned LGUs shall update DENR on status of projects already
devolved to them;
(c) Field assessment of each project to determine present status, major problems
and constraints;
(d) Joint formulation of action plan for each projects site in coordination with the
concerned participants, POs or communities to improve project implementation;
(e) Joint formulation or action plan for turnover by DENR of projects to concerned
LGUs, including the phasing in of their respective responsibilities and resources
sharing in the management of the same;
(f) Definition of specific roles and responsibilities of DENR, LGU (provincial, municipal/
cities, barangay), communities (or beneficiaries), and other sectors in plan
implementation ;
(g) Design and implementation of joint monitoring and evaluation system for each
CBFM project.

8.1.2 New CBFM Projects

Implementation of new CBFM projects shall be undertaken jointly by DENR and
concerned communities/beneficiaries as provided for under DENR DAO 96-29.

(a) DENR through its regional, provincial and community field offices shall consult
and coordinate with concerned provincial, municipal or city governments for their
participation in the implementation of CBFM projects in their respective territorial
jurisdiction.
(b) Formulation of action plans for CBFM that will include, among others:
1. Definition of specific roles/responsibilities of DENR and concerned LGUs
consistent with DENR DAO 96-29 and other pertinent rules and regulations;
2. Creation of teams composed of representatives from both offices to undertake
the various phases of CBFM;
3. Commitments of financial and other resources needed in CBFM
implementation;
4. Monitoring and evaluation system;
5. Schedule of activities.
(c) DENR-LGUs Phase-out plan for project management.

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 27

8.2 Forest Protection

8.2.1 Forest Protection and Forest Law Enforcement

The DENR and the LGUs shall coordinate closely in forest protection and
enforcement of forest laws and regulations.
There shall be created joint DENR-LGU forest protection teams in the regional,
provincial, municipal and barangay levels, DENR shall train and deputize LGU officers
as DENR officers.
The DENR shall not release any forest product, tool, equipment and other
conveyance seized during forest law enforcement operations without the
recommendation of the concerned LGU. The disposition of forest products shall likewise
jointly done by the DENR and the LGU.

8.2.2 Strengthening of the Multisectoral Forest Protection Committees

The various Multisectoral Forest Protection Committees (MFPCs) duly organized
shall be strengthened. their participation in the enforcement of forest laws shall be
enjoined.
The DENR shall continuously train the members of the forest protection teams
and MFPCs on the various aspects of forest law enforcement to maximize and make
effective their participation in forest protection and law enforcement .

8.3 Reforestation
Reforestation projects such as new reforestation projects and completed family and
community-based contract reforestation project and regular reforestation projects may be
devolved to the LGUs. Such devolution shall be effected by a MOA between the DENR and
the concerned LGU.

8.4 Communal Forest

8.4.1 Existing Communal Forest
The devolution to and management of the communal forest by the city and
municipal governments shall be governed by the following general procedures:
(a) DENR, through its CENRO, and the concerned LGU shall undertake the actual
identification and assessment of existing communal forests. The assessment
shall determine the suitability of the existing communal forests. If these are no
longer suitable, then these communal forests may be disestablished. The Approval
for disestablishment shall be by the RED upon recommendation of the DENR-
LGU assessment Team through the PENRO and the RTD for Forestry;
(b) Existing communal forest which are found and recommended by the DENR-
LGU Assessment Team as still suitable to achieve their purpose shall be
maintained as such. Thereafter, the Sangguniang Panglungsod or Sangguniang
Bayan where the communal forest is located shall pass resolution requesting the
DENR Secretary for the turnover of said communal forest to the city or municipality.
Upon receipt of said resolution, the DENR Secretary shall issue an Administrative
Order officially transferring said communal forest to the concerned LGU. The
DENR RED shall effect the official transfer to the concerned LGU within fifteen
(15) days from the issuance of the administrative order;

28 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

 (c) Within twelve months form the issuance of the Administrative Order and turnover
of said communal forest to the city or municipality, the LGU to which the communal
forest was transferred shall formulate and submit to the Provincial ENR Council
for approval a management plan governing the sustainable development of the
communal forest.
For the purpose of formulating the communal forest management plan, DENR
shall, in coordination with the concerned LGU, undertake a forest resource inventory
and determine the sustainable level of forest resource utilization and provide the LGU
technical assistance in all facets of forest management planning to ensure sustainable
development. The management plan should include provision for replanting by the
communities and the LGUs of the communal forests to ensure sustainability.

8.4.2 Establishment of New Communal Forest

The establishment of new communal forests shall be governed by the following
guidelines:
(a) DENR, through its CENRO, together with the concerned city/municipal LGU shall
jointly identify potential communal forest areas within the geographic jurisdiction
of the concerned city/municipality.
(b) Communal forests to be established shall be identified through a forest land use
planning to be undertaken jointly between the DENR and the concerned LGU.
The ensuing forest land use plan shall indicate, among others, the site and location
of the communal forests within the production forest categorized as such in the
forest land use plan;
(c) Once the forest land use plan has been affirmed, the the local chief executive
shall initiate the passage by the LGU’s Sanggunian of a resolution requesting
the DENR Secretary to issue an Administrative Order declaring the identified
area as a communal forest. The required administrative order shall be issued
within sixty (60) days after receipt of the resolution;
(d) Upon acceptance of the responsibility for the communal forest, the city/municipal
LGU shall formulate the management plan and submit the same to its ENR
Council. The management plan shall include provision for replanting by the
communities and the LGUs of the communal forests to ensure sustainability.
The communal forests of each municipality shall in no case exceed a total of
5,000 hectares.

8.5 Establishment and Management of Community Watershed Areas

8.5.1 Identification and establishment of community watersheds
Pursuant to Sec. 447 (a) (5) (i) of RA 7160 mandating the Sangguniang Bayan to
provide for the establishment, maintenance, protection an conservation of watersheds
in their respective areas as sources of water supply for specific communities, the
following guidelines shall be followed:
(a) DENR, through its CENRO, together with the city/municipal LGU shall identify
potential watershed areas in the city or municipal territorial jurisdiction that can
be sources of water supply for specific communities:
(b) Community watershed areas to be established shall be identified through a forest
land use planning to be undertaken jointly by the DENR and the concerned LGU.
The Forest land use plan shall indicate, among others, the site and location of
the Community watershed;

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 29

 (c) Once the forest land use plan has been completed, the local chief executive
shall initiate the passage by the LGU’s sanggunian of a resolution requesting the
DENR Secretary to issue an Administrative Order declaring the identified area
as community watershed as sources of water supply for specific communities.
The required administrative order shall be issued within sixty (60) days after receipt
of the resolution;
Where there are already existing springs in forests areas in the municipalities
being used as water sources by the communities, the community and the LGU
shall initiate the passage of the Sangguniang Bayan resolution requesting the
DENR Secretary to issue the necessary administrative order;
(d) Upon acceptance of the responsibility for the community watershed the local
chief executive, in consultation with the ENR Council will prepare the Management
Plan. Such plan shall be submitted to the Sangguniang Bayan for approval;
For purpose of formulating the community watershed management plan, the
DENR shall, in coordination with the concerned LGU, undertake a forest resource
inventory and determine the sustainable level of forest and water utilization and provide
the LGU technical and other assistance in all aspects of forest management planning
to ensure sustainable development.

8.6 Establishment and Management of Forest or Tree parks, Greenbelts and other Tourist Attractions
Pursuant to the mandate of RA 7160 requiring cities and municipalities to provide for the
establishment, maintenance, protection, and conservation of tree parks, greenbelts, mangroves
and similar forest development projects, the procedures laid down under Sections 8.4 and 8.5
shall be followed where the forest park, tree park, greenbelt and other tourist attraction fall
within forest lands.

Section 9. Expanded DENR-LGU Partnership on Forest Management Activities

9.1 Forest Land Use Planning

DENR and the concerned LGU shall jointly undertake forest land use planning, the output
of which shall become an integral part of the concerned LGUs comprehensive land use plan.
For purpose of this Manual, the following general procedures shall be followed:
(a) DENR Central Office shall issue an order directing the REDs to organize within sixty (60)
days from issuance thereof, Forest Land Use Planning (FLUP) teams at the provincial,
city and municipal levels in coordination with the concerned local chief executives.
Corollarily, the concerned local chief executives shall issue the appropriate orders for
their LGUs participation in the FLUP;
(b) The FLUP Teams shall organize their work and undertake FLUP within twelve (12) months
from their organization;
(c) The FLUPs thus formulated shall be submitted to the LGU’s Sanggunian for endorsement/
approval and incorporation of the same to the LGU’s comprehensive land use plan;
The Land Evaluation Parties of the DENR Regional Offices shall provide technical
assistance to the FLUP teams.

9.2 Joint DENR-LGU Annual Planning and Budgeting for Forest Management
The DENR shall involve the participation of the LGUs in the formulation of annual plans
and budgets pertaining to forest management. The LGU shall likewise involve the participation
of the DENR in the preparation of its annual plan particularly in the area of forest management.

30 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management

9.3 Issuance of Licenses and Permits
To further strengthen DENR-LGU partnership pursuant to the pertinent provisions of RA
7160, henceforth the issuance by the DENR of tenurial instruments in forest lands and for
forest products utilization shall be in coordination with the LGUs as follows:

9.3.1 Approval of Operations Plan of Timber License Agreements

The concerned LGU (province, city or municipality) shall sit in the committee
created by DENR to deliberate said operations plan. The comments of the LGU in the
committee’s deliberations shall be recommmendatory to the DENR.
9.3.2 Other Tenurial Instruments
After the applicant has submitted his application papers to the DENR, the DENR
shall notify the LGU (province, city or municipality) of said pending application to solicit
the comments of said LGU. The comments made by the LGU shall be advisory to the
DENR for the latter’s final action on the application.

Section 10. Funding

10.1 Inclusion in DENR Annual Budget and Work Plan

The DENR shall incorporate in its annual appropriations the budgetary requirements for
the undertaking the tasks under this circular.

10.2 Inclusion in LGUs’ Budget

The LGUs shall endeavor to provide resources to effectively carry out the mandates of
this circular.

10.3 Other Assistance to the LGUs

DENR and DILG, in coordination with other concerned government agencies, shall provide
assistance to the local government units in seeking technical and financial assistance from
other sources in implementing the tasks under this Circular whenever such assistance is sought
by the local government units.

Section 11. Repealing Clause

Any provision of DENR and DILG Administrative Orders, Memorandum Circulars or other
issuances not consistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 12. Effectivity

This Joint Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

(SGD) VICTOR O. RAMOS (SGD) EPIMACO A. VELASCO

Secretary, DENR Secretary, DILG

DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 31

32 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management
DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 33
34 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management
DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 35
36 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management
DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 37
38 DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management
DENR-DILG-LGU Partnership in Forest Management 39