Forestry Profession Act boosts forest eco-systems management

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Environment and Natural Resources  Secretary Ramon Paje said the signing into law of Republic Act  10690, or the Forestry Profession Act, would professionalize the practice of forestry in the country.

Paje said the new law provides much-needed boost to the profession by making it more attuned to the present time.

RA 10690, signed by President Aquino on Oct. 23, repealed a similar law (RA 6239) that was enacted in 1971.

The new legislation upgrades the qualifications, skills and education of foresters in managing forest ecosystems, especially in coping with environmental threats by industrialization, population growth and climate change.

“As this law recognizes the importance of forestry in nation-building and development, it will help current and future foresters not only to look on the economic benefits of forest management, but add a social dimension to it as well,” Paje said.

The DENR, which is primarily mandated to protect and conserve the environment, employs forestry graduates nationwide.

It helps formulate policies and implements laws and programs related to forestry, biodiversity conservation and coastal management.

Under the new law, future foresters shall be degree holders in forestry, forest products engineering, or agroforestry. They are required to pass a licensure examination.

Apart from this, they must undergo mandatory continuing professional development, such as training, seminars and higher education, to develop their professional competence.

Temporary or special permits can be issued to registered foresters from other countries to allow them to practice in the Philippines, subject to certain conditions. The permit is valid for a period of one year, but can be renewed thereafter.

RA 10690 punishes with perpetual disqualification of practice anyone found violating the law, such as practicing forestry without a valid certificate of registration and professional identification card, or temporary or special permit.

The law also creates the Professional Regulatory Board of Foresters which, while under the administrative supervision and control of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), possesses executive, rule-making, and quasi-judicial powers to carry out the law’s provisions.

The board shall be composed of a chairperson and two members, all appointed by the President and serving a term of three years, renewable for another.

It also has the mandate to monitor the work conditions of practicing foresters and school facilities of forestry students to ensure  these are in accordance with existing standards and regulations.