THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 
sph& 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VELAR JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The continuing and alarming deterioration of the environment necessitates a more 
aggressive effort at environment rehabilitation, conservation, protection and preservation which 
involves the collective participation of all sectors society. 
In line with the popular idiom being propagated by environmentalists around the globe, 
“Think Globally, Act Locally,” this Bill seeks to generate and institutionalize the role and 
participation of cultural indigenous communities in the effective utilization, management, 
protection and conservation of the country’s remaining forests and their resources as well as in 
rehabilitating degraded forests. 
Indigenous cultural communities in the country have proven their effectiveness in such 
efforts through the employment of indigenous customs and practices. Thus, the proposed 
establishment of forest management centers in provinces predominantly populated by members 
of indigenous cultural communities. This aims to enhance forest rehabilitation, protection, and 
conservation by building on indigenous practices of doing the same. 
At the same time, such Centers are also expected to play major roles in the continuing 
efforts to uplift the conditions of indigenous cultural communities with the creation of additional 
sources of livelihood though an effective and sustainable utilization of their forest resources. 
Considering the great impact this could make on environmental conservation efforts and 
in the uplift of the conditions of our indigenous cultural communities, approval of this proposed 
measure is earnestly sought. 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
} 
SENATE 
S. No. 
729 
..a , 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VrLLAR JR. 
AN 
ACT 
ESTABLISHING 
FOREST 
MANAGEMENT, 
UTILIZATION, 
CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION CENTERS IN PROVINCES INHABITED 
PREDOMINANTLY BY MEMBERS OF INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMMUNITIES 
AND UPLAND FAMILIES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. There is hereby created a Forest Management, Utilization, Conservation and 
Preservation Center hereinafter referred to as the Center, under the direct supervision of the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in every province inhabited 
predominantly by members of indigenous cultural communities and upland families. 
SEC. 2. 
The Center shall exercise the following powers and functions: 
(4 
Design and implement a forest management, utilization, conservation and preservation 
program appropriate to the locality, incorporating therein indigenous and traditional customs and 
practices pertaining to the proper utilization of forests and its resources and to the effective 
protection, conservation, preservation and sustainable management of forest resources; 
(b) 
Develop and implement a continuing education program for leaders and members of 
indigenous communities aimed at building awareness of the importance of proper utilization of 
forest resources as well as the effective conservation, protection, preservation and sustainable 
management of the same; 


(c) 
Serve as a clearing house in the awarding of reforestation project contracts and all other 
related livelihood projects designed to promote natural resources conservation and protection in 
the locality; 
(d) 
Enter into contract of any kind to enable it to manage its own activities and carry out its 
objectives and functions; 
(e) 
Develop a fund mobilization and generation program directed to any department, 
bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government as well as other local and foreign 
donor agencies/organizations focusing on environment conservation and protection with the aim 
of generating/securing the necessary resources for projects aimed at promoting environment 
conservation, protection, rehabilitation and preservation; 
(0 
Formulate and recommend measures and programs designed to achieve effective forest 
management among indigenous cultural communities; 
(g) 
Undertake other activities as may be necessary to ensure the attainment of its 
objectives; and 
(h) 
To provide support in the implementation of the Strategic Environmental Plan for 
Palawan pursuant to Republic Act No. 761 1 and other political subdivisions as may be similarly 
situated. 
SEC. 3. 
Except in the Province of Palawan, as governed by Republic Act No. 7611, the 
DENR shall carry out the provisions of this Act and shall constitute the necessary administrative 
and organizational set-up of the Center which shall be headed by the Provincial Environment and 
Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the 
effective implementation of this Act, taking into consideration indigenous laws, customs and 
practices: Provided, That a center may also be established in any other province as may be 
recommended by a member of Congress. 
SEC. 4. 
The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the 
budget of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 5. 
This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 


Approved,