October 7, 2024

DENR FMB and Forest Foundation Philippines Partner to Promote TAGPUAN

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Forest Management Bureau (DENR FMB) and Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP) have solidified their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote forest and forest-based products through the newly established Forest Investment Portal (FIP), while also launching the innovative Forestry Tenure Fee Calculator.

The event was graced by the presence of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, alongside key officials from FFP, SM Corporation, SM Investments, Prime Infra Foundation, and the Office of the DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs. 

In her keynote address, Hon. Loyzaga emphasized that the partnership would accelerate the creation of green jobs and livelihood opportunities within the forestry sector. Through these platforms, community partners from forest-dependent communities can benefit from forestry investment opportunities that promote long-term forest stewardship. She further underscored the importance of linking community partners to larger markets, enabling them to become self-reliant and empowered in managing their forest resources.

FFP’s Executive Director Atty. Jose Andres Canivel also shared his insights, stressing that addressing the economic needs and livelihood of forest-dependent communities must go hand in hand with forest protection and conservation.

The partnership also aims to establish a collaborative framework between DENR FMB and FFP in utilizing the FIP, known as TAGPUAN (Tao, Gubat, Puhunan, Ani), which stands for “People, Forests, Investments, and Harvest.” This initiative facilitates the access and sharing of relevant data and information, branding, and the monitoring and evaluation of community-based forest management projects. It promotes the sustainable management and utilization of forest resources and forest-based products, including sustainable harvesting, processing, and marketing. This partnership exemplifies a proactive approach to forest management, positioning the FIP as a pivotal tool for linking communities to investment opportunities, ensuring the sustainable utilization of forest resources, and creating pathways for enhanced livelihood opportunities in the forestry sector. 

The event also marked the official launch of the Forestry Tenure Fee Calculator, a tool designed to simplify and streamline the computation of tenure fees. This calculator is set to foster transparency and efficiency in forestry-related transactions, ultimately benefiting both community members and stakeholders by reducing administrative burdens.

Photo Credit: DENR FMB

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