DENR Pursues Better Assisted LGUs in Forest Land Use Planning

In conformity with existing laws and in order to train LGU’s in developing a sound basis for managing their Forest and Forest Land (FFL) assets through to the establishment of the best areas of these lands and allocate them to responsible resource managers under different forms of tenure, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region V conducts a workshop with the Land Evaluation Party leading the activity.

A new co-management scheme is underway for pilot LGUs such as Tinambac, Camarines Sur, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, Castilla. Sorsogon. Under the new scheme, the LGUs will subject itself to a planning process with DENR providing guidance aimed at ensuring their respective FFLs remain to be their assets and source of sustained income, goods and services. DENR Regional Executive Director Gilbert Gonzales sees the co-management scheme as an opportunity for both DENR and LGU to be equipped technically. He believes the process is essential for any LGU seeking to improve its basic services.

For an LGU to avail itself of the technical assistance from DENR, they will have to first send a letter of intent to DENR indicating their willingness to participate in a series of workshops that will rationalize the allocation of FFL areas. The DENR will seal an agreement with the LGU to provide technical assistance. They will also help form a technical working group from both the LGU and the DENR. The LGU will allocate budget for the planning workshops until the FLUP gains legitimacy through an Ordinance passed for its implementation.

The FLUP will make an essential component of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). The CLUP in turn will serve as a sound basis for determining investments, conservation and development priorities set by the LGU. 

Press Release: April 23, 2013