DENR, Tuba to ink MOA on forest use

By Susan C. Aro

TUBA, Benguet – The local government will forge a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to share responsibility in maintenance of the forest ecosystems including devolution of functions.

In pushing implementation of Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) of Tuba,

The municipal council passed Resolution No. 69 authorizing Mayor Florencio Bentrez to enter into a MOA with the DENR-CAR in carrying out the town’s FLUP.

The DENR is the primary government agency responsible for sustainable development and management of the country’s environment and natural resources while the local government  units under RA 7160 help mainten ecological balance within their territorial jurisdictions.

A total of 27.864 hectares classified  as forestland are declared  both for production and protection of forests.

As indicated in the proposed MOA, on Feb. 25, 2013, the DENR and Tuba local government agreed to come up with a legitimized FLUP in coordination with local stakeholders with technical assistance from the Friends of the Environment for Development and Sustainability.

The plan incorporates strategies to conserve forests, water and biodiversity resources, increase food and fiber production, direct and focus public and private investments, eliminate or reduce conflicts among various stakeholders, including protection of rights and lives, settlements and public infrastructures.

This was affirmed by DENR-CAR after endorsement of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer.

The plan stipulates general principles in reviewing grant of tenure and declaration or proclamation of allocation instruments in forest and forestlands.

It also spells out the roles and responsibilities of DENR and the municipal government, commitment of both parties in working together for the effective implementation of the FLUP and likewise the protection of Intellectual Property Rights.