DENR welcomes signing of forestry law

MANILA, Philippines - Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje has welcomed the signing into law of Republic Act No. 10690 or the Forestry Profession Act.

Paje said the new law repeals a 44-year-old law governing the forestry profession, providing a much-needed boost by making it more attuned to the times.

RA 10690, signed by President Aquino on Oct. 23, repeals a similar law enacted in 1971, RA 6239.

The new legislation upgrades the qualifications, skills and education of foresters in managing forest ecosystems, especially in coping with environmental threats posed 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 at the economic benefits of forest management, but add a social dimension to it as well,” Paje pointed out.

The DENR, primarily mandated to protect and conserve the environment, employs forestry graduates nationwide. They help formulate policies and implement 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.

They are also required to 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 one year, but can be renewed.

RA 10690 punishes with perpetual disqualification 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 chairman and two members, all appointed by the president and serving a term of three years, renewable for another three.

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

Moreover, RA 10690 integrates all forester organizations into one national organization duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Membership is open to all foresters included in the Registry Book of Foresters.