Zambales, Nueva Ecija upland farmers awarded 357 hectares of forestlands

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, — Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently awarded about 357 hectares of forestlands to upland farmers in Zambales and Nueva Ecija under the Community Based-Forest Management Program (CBFMP).
Recipients include Palauig Green Planters Association Incorporated in Palauig, Zambales (106 hectares) and Digmala Tree Planters Association Incorporated of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija (251 hectares).
“CBFMP seeks to reduce poverty in rural areas and promote social justice and equitable access to forest resources,” DENR Regional Director Francisco Milla Jr. said.
The two mentioned People’s Organizations (POs) were each awarded a 25-year CBFM Agreement and are considered as the latest beneficiaries of the program 12 years after a moratorium was implemented in its issuance.
“DENR is not giving land titles in forestlands only those alienable and disposable lands (A and D) such as agricultural land and residential areas are awarded with titles. However, tenurial instrument in the form of agreement is being awarded to upland farmers as proof of their legitimate occupancy over the forestland,” Milla explained.
“The new direction of DENR under Secretary Regina Paz Lopez is to make the department not only a regulatory agency but also a development institution that will provide livelihood opportunities, bring social justice, and empower upland communities especially the poorest among the poor,” he added.
Under the CBFMP, POs can rehabilitate the forestland they occupy and develop it through agroforestry scheme.
Recipients can also develop livelihood opportunities in their area not dependent on forest products and utilize the resources found therein, but subject to existing forestry and environmental laws, rules, and regulations.
“They assume the responsibility on the protection of the entire forestland within their area against illegal logging and other unauthorized extraction of forest products, kaingin-making, forest and grass fire and other forest destruction,” Milla furthered.
They will also assist DENR in the prosecution of violators of forestry and environmental laws; observance of all laws and regulations on forest management; prepare and implement a Community Resource Management Framework and annual work plan; and formulate and implement benefit sharing schemes among its members.
About 300 upland farmers from the two POs, who are also actively involved in the National Greening Program, shall benefit from the CBFMP.
Record shows that there are 116 CBFM Agreements in Central Luzon covering more than 16,000 hectares of forestland and benefiting over 7,000 upland farmers. (PIA 3)