In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Forest Management Bureau (DENR FMB), Forest Foundation Philippines and Tanggol Kalikasan, its grantee, concluded the National Consultation on the Implementation of Devolved Forest Management Functions to the Local Government Units, which was held at Xenia Hotel, Clark, Pampanga last March 14-16, 2023.
The national consultation, participated by DENR field offices and LGU representatives, validated the survey results and further the understanding of the status of the implementation of devolved forest management functions on the ground.
The consultation inspired the participants to foster stronger working relationships to ensure effective and efficient turnover and transition of forest management functions from the DENR to the LGUs, harmonization of plans and programs, guidance and continuous capacity development initiatives on forest management between and across agencies and institutions, and re-institutionalization of the national and regional project steering to committees.
Moreover, the consultation instigated the heart of the decision-makers to revisit and improve existing policies and guidelines to aid in the DENR and LGUs’ Devolution Transition Plans, specifically on the devolution of forest management functions.
In 2022, Forest Foundation Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the DENR FMB to build stronger partnerships toward improved forest governance through the conduct of policy research on devolved forest management functions enacted by the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) and Department Administrative Order No. 30 s. 1992 (Guidelines for the Transfer and Implementation of DENR Function to the Local Government Units).