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Amid wanton destruction of Philippine forests, described as the most rapid and most massive in the world, various NGOs and environmentalists see sustainable forest management a crucial undertaking as we face the global threats of climate change.

Authorities say that the never-ending denudation of already limited forest cover results to ecological and economic disasters. According to a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, at least 163,000 hectares of forest is lost every year. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) lists, “some 38 areas nationwide are prone to frequent landslides and flooding, most of which are located in the heavily denuded forest areas.”

While efforts have been started since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, much needs to be realized. The once lush Philippine forest cover estimated at 21 million hectares in 1990 or 70% of the country’s total land area was reduced to a measly 800,000 hectares or 18% after a decade. By 2010, Philippine forest cover is projected to be reduced to an upsetting 266,666 hectares or six percent (6%).

Meanwhile, House Bill 137 titled “An Act Instituting a Self-Sustaining Forest Management Program, by Providing Incentives to Tree Planters on Private Lands, Forest Lands, and other Public Lands and for Other Purposes or the “Tree for Legacy Act of 2007” filed by Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara empowers the citizenry in sharing with the national government and local government units the responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their community.

The bill explains that “there is no single solution to all the ecological and economic disasters but the “Tree for Legacy Act” as a Forest Management Program is certainly one of them”. The bill’s objectives are consistent with Executive Order 263 and 318 in promoting community-based approaches in attaining sustainable forest management in the country. The bill encourages tree plantation development from both private and public lands, which is very important in integrated watershed management.

Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) said, “once enacted, this bill will provide the mechanisms in ensuring sustainable forest management that will consequently contribute in reducing ecological and economic threats posed by climate change.”


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