LEBAK, Sultan Kudarat – In a bid to boost sustainable forest management and environmental protection, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) in Kalamansig convened a consultative meeting with various stakeholders in this town to reinforce the implementation of the Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA).
Held recently in Lebak, the meeting brought together local government officials, civil society groups, and community representatives to discuss the vital role of collaborative forest management in promoting compliance with environmental laws and empowering local communities through the CBFMA framework.
CENRO Kalamansig presented the legal foundation of the program, citing Executive Order No. 263, which institutionalizes community-based forest management as a national strategy, and DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-29, which governs the regulation of forest product harvesting within CBFMA areas. The session also covered the responsibilities of local government units (LGUs) under Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code, emphasizing their mandate to help safeguard natural resources.
To support informed planning, GIS (Geographic Information System) experts showcased spatial data for potential CBFMA sites in Barangay Taguisa, highlighting areas of forest cover, reforestation zones, and regions vulnerable to degradation. The mapping aimed to guide stakeholders in designing effective management zones and in exploring opportunities for eco-tourism and agroforestry.
Officials from Barangay Taguisa expressed strong commitment to forest conservation and pledged to support ongoing environmental initiatives. The Taguisa Women’s Association also expressed interest in joining the CBFMA effort, particularly in managing and protecting the community’s mangrove forests, which serve as a crucial source of livelihood for many residents.
The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Lebak and the Lebak Tourism Office echoed their support, expressing readiness to integrate forest conservation into community-based tourism efforts, thereby linking environmental sustainability with local economic development.
CENRO Kalamansig officials welcomed the multi-sectoral support, noting that the success of CBFMA relies heavily on the active participation of communities and local partners in managing and protecting forest resources for the long term.