Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILLNo, 3053

Introduced by HON. JOHN TRACY F. CAGAS

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AND DETERMINING A COMMUNITY FOREST IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF HAGONOY, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

From 2001 to 2020, in a span of 20 years, the Province of Davao De] Sur has lost 17.2
hectares of forest cover due to several man-made activities and natural phenomenon. This data
was recorded by the Global Forest Watch, an intemational organization that provides data and
tools for monitoring forests using cutting-edge technology and presents near real-time
information via an online platform.

To mitigate deforestation and forest degradation and to help improve the Province’s
forest cover, this representation proposes the establishment of a community forest in the
Municipality of Bansalan, Province of Davao Del Sur. A community forest is A tract of land
set aside by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
for the use of the residents of a city, municipality, or barangay from which the residents may
plant, replant, collect and remove forest products for their personal use in accordance with
existing laws and regulations.

Generally, community forestry is beneficial to an LGU because it can generate income
from the planting and re-planting of trees and plants and the harvesting of timber and non-
timber forest products while promoting sustainability and regulating the ecosystem. It has been
considered one of the most promising recourse of combining forest conservation with poverty
reduction objectives, rural development and community empowerment

It is for the foregoing reason that the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

JOHN Tl F. CAGAS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3063

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by HON. JOHN TRACY F. CAGAS

AN ACT.
ESTABLISHING AND DETERMINING A COMMUNITY FOREST IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF HAGONOY, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. There shall be established, under the supervision of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), a community forest in the Municipality of
Hagonoy, Province of Davao Del Sur.

The DENR shall determine the size and specific forest limits of the established
community forest within the Municipality.

SEC. 2. The DENR shall, within two (2) years after the establishment and determination of
the community forest, transfer the management of the same to the local government unit
concemed through a memorandum of agreement. It shall implement a training and phasing-in
program for local government personnel on the management, utilization and conservation of
the community forest.

The 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 communities
and the LGUs of the community forests to ensure sustainability.

SEC. 3. The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources shall include in the Department’s
program the establishment of the community forest in the Municipality of Hagonoy, Province
of Davao Del Sur, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.

The local government unit concerned shall set aside funds from any available local
revenue in an amount deemed appropriate or the management, utilization and conservation of
the community forest.


SEC. 4, Within sixty (60) days from the passage of this Act, the Secretary of Environment and
Natural Resources shall issue the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this
Act.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,