Cotabato City, January 15 – The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) convened the Regional Executive Committee (REC) to review the draft Bangsamoro Forest Land Use Plan (BFLUP) for three municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The event, held at MENRE’s Executive Building in the Bangsamoro Government Center, focused on the 10-year strategic plan aimed at sustainable management of forest resources and biodiversity.
The municipalities of Maluso in Basilan, Pualas in Lanao del Sur, and Upi in Maguindanao del Norte presented their respective draft BFLUPs during the day-long session. These plans, which span from 2025 to 2035, were discussed in detail with Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and MENRE facilitating deliberations. Representatives from the municipalities outlined their forest management strategies, while REC members provided feedback, recommendations, and revisions to ensure alignment with environmental laws and regional ecological priorities.
“The BFLUP serves as a critical planning tool for local government units (LGUs), MENRE, and stakeholders to promote sustainable forest resource management,” said REC Chairperson and Bangsamoro Director General for ENR, Atty. Badr E. Salendab. The review emphasized integrating local needs with overarching environmental goals.
The draft plans underwent scrutiny to finalize sections and prepare for formal approval. Once approved, the BFLUP will proceed to ceremonial signing, marking the completion of the Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) preparation process. The signing ceremony is scheduled to coincide with the 6th Bangsamoro Foundation Day Anniversary.
Other key attendees included Vice-Chairperson and Forest Management Services Director Abdul-Jalil S. Umngan, EMS Director Jalani Pamlian, Mines and Geosciences Director Raphael Remo, PENREO Basilan Marietta R. Ladjiman, CENREO Lanao del Sur Ashawie Pangandaman, Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist Joharie Diao, and Forester Yunos Lumna from PENREO Maguindanao, along with TWG members and other stakeholders.
The initiative underscores MENRE’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship in BARMM, aligning with its mission to balance ecological preservation with regional progress.
