House seeks forestland boundaries and limits

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives has approved on second reading the proposed "Final Forest Limits Act," which seeks to determine forest land limits for conservation, protection and development of forest resources in the country.

 

The proposed measure will create a National Review and Evaluation Committee which will be composed of the secretaries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Agriculture and Department of Agrarian Reform.

 

The said committee will assess, validate and delineate the boundaries from province reports. Headed by the DENR, the concerned government agencies will be in charge of enhancing and protecting forest reserves proclaimed by the President or by law.

 

A Congressional Oversight Committee will oversee the Act's implementation for five years. After the given time period, its functions will be transferred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.

 

The DENR Secretary will issue rules and regulations for implementation once the Act get approved.

 

For more proposed measures in the House of Representatives, visit our Bill Tracker.