The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON currently evaluates the performance of five People’s Organizations with Community-based Forest Management Agreements (CBFMA) to expire by 2022.

The said CBFMA holders include Kapit-Bisig Farmers Association, Inc., Ilayang Bagumbayan Upland Farmers Association, Inc., Samahang Pampamayanan Para sa Kaunlaran, Inc., Samahang Kamalig ng Mabini, Mulanay, Quezon, Inc., and Mauban CBFM Multi-purpose Cooperative.

Created by virtue of Regional Special Order No. 2021-100 issued on February 6, 2021, a Regional Composite Team composed of the Enforcement Division, Conservation and Development Division, and PENROs and CENROs concerned, were created to conduct the performance evaluation and assessment of tenurial instrument holders in accordance with the Forest Management Bureau (FMB) Technical Bulletin No. 36. The team also reviews and evaluates the performance and accomplishment of tenurial instruments vis a vis the 25-year management plan and Community Resource Management Framework.

The CBFMAs issued to Kapit-Bisig Farmers Association, Inc. for a 2,207.03 ha.-forest area located in Sos. Banabahan Bantakay, Kailogan, Gitna and Hubilyuhan, Brgy. Sta. Catalina, Atimonan, Quezon and So. Sapinit, Brgy. Silangang Malicboy, Pagbilao, Quezon, and Ilayang Bagumbungan Upland Farmers Association, Inc. for a 1,325.16 ha.- site So. Anibong and Kamaluya, Brgy. Ilayang Bagumbungan, Pagbilao, Quezon, will expire by June 27, 2022. The tenurial instrument of Samahang Pampamayanan Para sa Kaunlaran, Inc. located in Calauag and Guinayangan, Quezon with a total area of 2,268 ha. will expire on December 3, 2022 while the CBFMA of Samahang Kamalig ng Mabini, Mulanay, Quezon, Inc. located in Brgy. Mabini, Mulanay, Quezon with a total area of 577,20 ha. will expire by December 5, 2022. And, the tenurial instrument issued to Mauban CBFM Multi-purpose Cooperative for a 1,347 ha.-forest area in So. Lumatag, Brgy. Rosario, Mauban, Quezon will expire on November 26, 2022.

DENR Calabarzon Enforcement Division Chief and Regional Composite Team Leader, Oliver B. Viado said the team will also prioritize the evaluation of 37 CBFMAs which will expire by 2023. Moreover, the team will evaluate the Forest Land Grazing Management Agreement issued within the region, as well as the Integrated Forest Management Agreement issued to International Hardwood & Veneer Corporation of the Philippines (INTERWOOD) and AGM Ventures Enterprises, Inc.

The Regional Composite Team will conduct a field validation by July 2021, after the roll-out of the FMB Technical bulletin No. 36 or the “Procedural Guide on the Conduct of Participatory CBFMA Holder Performance Evaluation as Requirement for the Renewal of Expiring CBFMA” to be facilitated by FMB.

DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-29 dated August 25, 2004 defined CBFMA as an agreement entered into by and between the government and the local community, represented by the People’s Organization as forest managers, which has a term of 25 years and is renewable for another 25 years. It is a production sharing agreement which is designed to ensure that the participating community shall enjoy the benefits of sustainable utilization, management and conservation of forestlands and natural resources therein.###