Pasay City: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has announced the designation of nearly 1.2 million hectares of forest land across the country as Potential Investment Areas (PIAs). This initiative is part of a new agreement aimed at enhancing the productivity of forest lands and attracting sustainable investments.
According to Philippines News Agency, the launch of the Forest For Life: Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA) took place on Thursday in Pasay City. Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla stated that this initiative, along with the 5M Trees by 2028 program, is a core component of the Marcos administration's sustainable development agenda. Lotilla emphasized that these lands, located outside protected areas, have been thoroughly assessed and cleared for productive use, building on the foundation established by his predecessor, Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.
The SFLMA aims to streamline and harmonize guidelines, procedures, and requirements for forest-related tenure instruments, creating a more efficient and transparent process. Lotilla highlighted the strategic transformation towards a sustainable future for the country's forests, which will mobilize strategic forest investments and contribute significantly to national economic development through sustainable forest enterprises.
DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David elaborated that the identified forest lands, comprising 1,700 parcels, were validated through ground surveys and satellite imaging. These lands, classified as grasslands, idle, or barren areas, are suitable for various productive uses. David noted that these parcels are spread across all regions, with a significant concentration in Regions 11, 12, and 13.
Lotilla assured that Indigenous Peoples (IPs) would not be displaced by this program and would be partners with the DENR. David mentioned that most PIAs are outside protected areas or IP lands, and necessary permits would be secured from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) if a parcel is within IP land. Transparency and monitoring are ensured through an automated tool using satellite imagery, allowing weekly monitoring of the land area.
The SFLMA replaces multiple forest lease arrangements, creating a uniform process for granting tenure, and setting clear guidelines and rationalized user fees. This is expected to improve forest-based revenues and spur inclusive development. Lotilla indicated that forest tenure agreements in 2024 covered about 1.4 million hectares, generating PHP600 million in revenues, which is considered low relative to the potential.
DENR Forest Management Bureau Assistant Director Ray Thomas Kabigting stated that several sectors are prioritized under the program. These include sustainable timber plantations, renewable energy projects, agroforestry ventures like coffee, cacao, rubber, and fruit trees, and bamboo production. SFLMA investors will be incentivized, with the right to harvest and utilize already embedded in the agreement, encouraging more participation across all sectors.
