Forestry Sector Doubles 2012 Economic ContributionBy: RoWell B. vetonza

According to the Philippine Statis-tics Authority (PSA), forestry sectorcontributed a Gross Value Added(GVA) of PHP 1.9 billion to thecountry's Gross Domestic Product(GDP) which was posted at PHP 1.8trillion (at constant 2000 prices) inthe second quarter of 2014. GVA inthis sector is the difference be-tween the total number of logs pro-duced in the country and the valueof goods and services immediatelyused in the production process.

At the national level, the forestrysector has a significant contributionin the country's economic perfor-mance based on the increasingtrend of GVA from 2010 to 2013with an average growth rate of 13percent annually. In addition, thesector's GVA grew by 27.5 percentfrom the previous quarter's value ofPHP 1.527 billion. On an annualbasis, the 2014 GVA in forestry in-creased by 27.1 percent and 66.1percent from the values reported in2013 and 2012, respectively (asshown in the graph).

Continued on page 3

CONTENTSNational Greening program-Mechanization and Modernization of p2Forest Nurseries

-Commodiies showcase in FMB p3Arboretum

-Strengthened tri-partite collaboration p4through the Tree ReplacementProgram

-COA auditors and Geotagging p7

Featured Report-Forest Management Project (FMP) p5meliorates Community MappingProcess

Gross Value Added in Forestry Sector2nd Quarter 2012-2014

2.5

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0.5

012014

022014

Balancing Development and Conservation:Mapping Our Production and Protection Forests

By: For Nel1ssaMana Rocas

Sustainable forest management is a easily allocate development activi-balance between development and ties and place under proper man-conservation. Our natural resources agement arrangements by delin-provide both economic and eco- eating the boundaries for produc-logical services that people enjoy. tion and protection areas.In orderto getthe right balance be-tween these two services, it is im-portant to know the areas where wecan put development activities andthose that need to be conserved.

There have been a series of activi-ties in support to PPFmapping. Aspart of the preparatory activities,FMB issued Technical Bulletin No.5 in April 2014 to provide technicalguidance in the conduct of theproject. In this bulletin, productionforests refers to the "forest landsavailable for timber and agro-forestry production, range landsfor grazing, and other forest landsspecial uses" while protection

Continued on page 2

022012

022013

The Forest Management Bureau(FMB) and National Mapping andResource Information Authority(NAMRIA) lead the Delineation andMapping of Production and Protec-tion Forests (PPF) project to help inthe planning and management ofour forest lands. People can now

/!

NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM ••• 1Mechanization and Modernization of Forest Nursery (MMFN), NGP's Newest Strategy

by: For peme/yn B sanros

The National Greening Program(NGP) established the Mechaniza-tion and Modernization of ForestNursery (MMFN) as one of its strat-egies to attain the goal of planting1.5 Billion trees covering about 1.5Million hectares for a period of 6years from 2011 to 2016 as stipu-lated in Executive Order No. 26.For 2015, MMFN is expected toproduce 72 million seedlings.

The five pilot sites are located inBicutan, Taguig City (NCR), Solana,Cagayan (Region 2), Sipocot, Cam-arines Sur (Region 5), Ayungon,Negros Oriental (Region 7), andBislig, Surigao del Sur in Region 13.

Construction of facilities such asseeder building, germination andpropagation greenhouses, growingand hardening area and improve-ment of existing facilities, procure-ment and installation of nurseryseeder machine, seedling trays andtrolleys are the activities underMMFN. A very critical support activ-ity from the research sector is provi-sion of seeds collected from SeedProduction Areas (SPAs)/ individualplant trees.

The FMB procured a 4-door stain-less chiller for storage that willensure the seed's longevity and vi-ability through controlled tempera-

ture and sanitized storage elimi-nating molds and insect attacks.

The four-door stainless chiller procuredby FMB.

Continued on page 6

Balancing Development and Conservation ... corariuea from page I

forests are "areas wholly or par-tially covered with woody vegeta-tion managed primarily for itsbeneficial effects on water, cli-mate soil, aesthetic value andpreservation of genetic diversity."A set of criterion for differentiat-ing production from protectionforests and a list of steps/activitiesfor the indicative mapping arealso included. A copy of the tech-nical bulletin can be downloadedfrom the FMB website(http://forestry.denr. g ov. ph/FM BTB5.pdf).

Several capacity building workshopson the delineation, mapping and har-monization of identified data gaps ofproduction and protection forestswere conducted to discuss the crite-ria and provide further guidance indata collection and GIS mapping.Teams from GIS/RSUnit, Forest LandUses Section and other FMB techni-cal staff visited regional LEPoffices toassist in the GIS mapping and con-duct field validation of classified pro-duction and protection sites.The vali-dation of all 15 regions was complet-ed in November 2014.

A number of challenges in PPFmapping have been encounteredduring the workshops andvalidations/technical assistance.These include collection of accu-rate, precise and up-to-date data,boundary conflicts among prov-inces and regions, confusion onthe interpretation of criteria used,and processing capacity of thehardware used.

A follow-up workshop will be con-ducted to consolidate and finalizethe indicative map of the Produc-tion and Protection Forests forRegions 1 to 13, CAR and NCR inMarch 2015.•

NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM ••• 1FMB Mini Arboretum of Philippine Timber and Fruit Tree Species

by: For: rerorara u. »rcresThe launching and implementationof the National Greening Programsubstantially raised our nation'shopes and expectations of a revi-talized and more productive forestunder the care and managementof the Department (DENR) throughthe oversight and leadership ofForest Management Bureau (FMB).

FMB is challenged with the enor-mous task, responsibility and mis-sion of restoring, rehabilitating andsustainably managing our remain-ing forests and forestlands bymaking them productive and eco-logically sound once again.

To achieve this objective, the ap-propriate balance and. combina-tion of naturally growing indi-genous, endemic, forest timber,plantation, fruit trees and or agro-forest tree species for each areamust be determined, prescribedand adapted. Species to site suit-ability trials and/or species combi-nation is therefore necessary priorto the establishment of successfulplantations.

Forester Feralnana Mares ana Forester Romeo aecos planting saplingsfor the Forest Management Bureau's mini arboretum

Indigenous forest trees like agoho(Casuarina equisetifolia), lamio(Dracontomelon edu/e) and betis(Madhuca betis) were planted aroundand adjacent to dipterocarps and in-digenous climax hardwood species.Some exotic ornamental and fruit-bearing trees (e.g. mangosteen(Garcinia mangostana), pili (Canariumovatum), durian (Durio zibethinus)were also planted, as well as somefuelwood and pulpwood species tosimulatespecies mix planted in NGPplantations.

Hence, the FMB mini Arboretumwas conceptualized and estab-lished to display and exhibit the in-herent characteristics of availableindigenous/endemic timber, fuel-wood and fruit tree species seed-lings that maybe suitable to the ob-jectives of NGP.These species wereinitially planted to serve as speciestrials and specimen to demonstratepeculiar growth characteristics andrequirements for maintenancewhen planted as plantation speciesfor the National Greening Program.

(From left to nght)Agoho. iorrso andbens are some Of theIndigenous fruit treesplanted In the FMBarboretum

Forestry Sector doubles ... coramuea from page J

ports of the forest products alsoshows that lumber is the highestcontributor with 77.9% amongother wood-based forest productssuch as logs, plywood, and veneersheets/core stocks. Locally, woodcontinues to be a major construc-tion material.

The growth can be attributed to theincrease in log production from309,729 cubic meters in 2013 to331,815 cubic meters in 2014 duringthe second quarter periods. Basedon the foreign trade statistics report-ed by PSA, Forestry shared totalexport earnings of US$6.7 million inJune 2014.

the major industries that broughtabout the increasein the demand forwood and wood products. A largepart of the volume used for construc-tion is in the form of lumber and ply-wood. Wood supply is supplement-ed from established plantation for-ests, private lands, and importedwoods of secondary or lesser-usedspecies are adopted more as 3construction materials.•

The construction industry which isflourishing in the country is one ofThe cumulative merchandise ex-

NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM

DENR Partners with DSWD and DPWH on the Tree Replacement ProgramBy: Irma S. pau/me

One hundred seedlings will beplanted as replacement for everytree cut affected by DPWH infra-structure projects. This is part of theTree Replacement Program which isembodied in the Joint Memoran-dum Circular (JMC) No. 1 amongthe Department of Environmentand Natural Resources (DENR) Sec-retary Ramon J. P.Paje, Departmentof Public Works and Highways(DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Sing-son and Department of Social Wel-fare and Development (DSWD)Secretary Corazon Juliano-Solimanon July 3, 2014. This initiative is incompliance to the DENR Memoran-dum Order No. 2012-02 entitled,Uniform Replacement Ratio for Cutor Relocated Trees.

The JMC provides guidance onhow the program will be imple-mented. Major activities includeplanning and stakeholder coordi-nation, selection of project sites, ca-pacity building, tree replacementmethods, and financial arrange-ments for the establishment of treeplantations, project managementand livelihood interventions.

In addition to the support to theNational Greening Program (NGP),the tripartite agreement contrib-utes to eradicating extreme povertyand hunger. DENR shall be respon-sible in orienting the participants;identify the activities that they areexpected to conduct; and identifythe location of planting sites whichshall then be provided to DSWD.

FOr.Ma. 'rereso AqUlno, NGPNational cooronotor (£lm from left) aUrlngme Tree Replacement program wrtn me prOlect'S National TechnicalworKing Group memoers.

Then, DSWD spearheads in encour-aging the active involvement and ca-pacitation of the Pantawid Pamilyabeneficiaries and local communitiesby engaging them in tree plantingactivities thus providing additionalemployment, among others. DPWHallocates and transfer funds directlyto the DENR Regional Office todefray the entire cost of plantationestablishment. Activities includesurvey, mapping, planning, nurseryestablishment, procurement of ma-terials, site preparation, out-plant-ing, plantation protection, mainte-nance and supervision consistent toits approved work and financial plan.

Initially, the Tree Replacement Pro-gram covers three years (2014 to2016) in Eastern Visayas.

Specifically, the program willcover the areas in Samar whichinclude municipalities of Paranasand Hinabangan; and Taft, Sulat,San Julian, Borongan, Maydo-long, Balangkayan, Llorente, Her-nani, Gen McArthur, Qui-napondan, Salcedo, Mer-cedes and Guiuan in EasternSamar. These areas are includedin the Millennium ChallengeAccount-Secondary NationalRoad Development Program.From its 915 hectare target area,they have covered 414 hectareswith four (4) contract packagesbenefiting several people's or-ganizations. Upon its comple-tion, DENR, DSWD and DPWHplan to implement this in allDPWH infrastructure projects inother regions. •

•• 1DENR·Forestland Management Project (FMP) Enhances Community ResourceManagement Framework (CRMF) Preparations

by: For Mary eaestr, G. t-erson and Mr. Jonn G. Jaramlflo

FEATURED PROJECT

Executive Order No. 263,Adopting CBFM as the NationalStrategy to Ensure the SustainableDevelopment of the Country'sForestland Resources and ProvidingMechanisms for its implementationwas issued in recognition on the impor-tance of the participation of local com-munities in government initiatives.

Qualified People's Organizations aregranted Community-based ForestManagement Agreement (CBFMA)for a duration of twenty-five (25)years renewable for another twenty-five (25) years, to provide

The proposed enhancements in the CRMF Guidelines:

O Overlaying of maps toproduce

As part of the technical assistance ofDENR, a base map, derived from sat-ellite images area shall be provided tothe PO. The base map covers theboundary and shows the importantfeatures of the CBFMA which is pre-sented to the tenure holders.e Community Mapping (CM)

Members of the community validatethe features indicated in the basemap. This is conducted by overlayingthe base map with plastic cover.

tenurial security and incentives tothe partner pas to develop, utilize,and manage specific portionsof theforestlands consistent with theirCommunity Resource ManagementFramework (CRMF) as affirmed bythe DENR.

Consequently, the CRMF is a strate-gic plan of the community on how tomanage and benefit from the forestresources sustainably. It describesthe communities' vision, commit-ments and strategies for the protec-tion, rehabilitation, development,and utilization of forest resources.

Then, members of the community willdraw the information of the existence,distribution of different biophysical,socio-economic and cultural features oftheir area which are not yet reflected inthe map. The result of this activity is anupdated community map.

eDigitizing of UpdatedCommunity

The GI5 unit of FMP shall then digitizethe updated community map to pro-duce shapefile maps showing .theattributes/features of the CBFMA area.The updated CM is then translated intodigital maps to be printed for the use ofPOs in the succeeding activities.

FMB Mini Arboretum... continued from page 3

The experimental arboretum canalso serve as a testing, demonstr-ation and experimental site for ac-tivities which will be or are cur-rently undertaken in NGP sitessuch as Mycorrhiza (Mycovam) in-oculation, fertilizer application,ring weeding, mulching and prun.-ing. This undertaking will give op-portunity to encourage regionaloffices to establish a mini arbore-tum as well.

Introduction and re-introduction offresh species into gene pools ofknown indigenous and endemicplants improves the quality of its re-generation. Moreover, this can lessenthe effect of deterioration of genepools of local populations of livingorganisms due to in-breeding, envi-ronmental factors and changes influ-enced by climate change. The reloca-tion of these species is therefore verycrucial so that they will be able toadapt fully in its new environment.

Existing guidelines require thatthe CRMF must be preparedwithin thirty (30) days upon the ap-proval of the CBFMA. However,due to the tedious requirementsin the preparation of the CRMF,the pas still require the technicalassistance of the DENR, the NGOsand other supporting organiza-tions. In addition, the approach indeveloping the CRMF is very aca-demic, text heavy, which are oftenmeagerly appreciated and under-stood by the pas. As a result, onlya handful of CBFMA holders areable to prepare their CRMF.

"

VisioningUsing the updated CM, the POs

undertake visioning to reflect the kindof development activities translated intospatial presentation. Under this step avision map.~ Formulation of Strategies~ and activities

Guided by the updated CM andvision map, the PO will undertakeformulation of strategies and actionplans/actions within the 25 yearsbroken down into 5-years in matrixform. For FMP the first 5-Year WorkPlan (5YWP) serves as the basis inthe contracting and implementationof yearly Site Development (5D) tar-gets of a certain PO.

Continued on page 6

The FMB is looking forward to awider and upscaled endeavor ofsupporting and popularizing ournative and endemic species nation-wide as we collectively pursue ourgoals under the National GreeningProgram. A bigger National Arbo-retum should be established to ac-commodate and showcase livingspecimens of the remaining en-demic and/or indigenous tree spe-cies of our national forest.. 5

NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM IMechanization and Modernization ... contmuea from page 2

Dr. Neptale Q. Zabala, NGP Con-sultant was hired to conduct adirect seeding simulation trial totest what is the suitable mixture ofmedia to be used for the forestryseedlings. Below are the five pot-ting media mixtures used to testfor Acacia manguim, Eucalyptuscamaldulensis and Albizia fa/-cataria.

CODE POTTING MEDIA WEIGHTMIXTURES

0.5 plant garden soil(GS) + 1 part

A corbonteed rICe hull 3.6 kg(~H) + Coconut COIrciJst (CCO)

B 0.25 part GS + 1 part 3.2 kgCRH + 1 part CCD

0.5 part decomposed

C ciJeI< manure IIIIIth rtce 3.Skghull (DDM) + 1 partCRH + 1 part CCD

G 1 part CRH + 1 part 3.1 kgCCD

E 1 part GS + 1 part CCD 4.1 kg(control)

In addition, he also conducted astudy to identify the best pottingmedia mixtures [garden soil(GS), carbonized rice hull (CRH),eo co coir dust (CCD), and de-composed duck manure (DDM)]to promote good root develop-ment and enhance the plant's re-sistance to drought. Based onthe results of his study, the bestchoice media mixtures is eitherone (1) part CRH + one (1) partCCD or 0.25 GS + one (1) partCRH + one (1) part CCD. Differ-ences in root developments ofAcacia manguim, Eucalyptus ce-ma/du/ensis and A/bizia fa/-cataria are shown in the follow-ing pictures .•

_l..-.•.•.~~ .••.~-~-----.......••" ... ~-.. 1, "~_.

",. " ";-"1" •

,. ). ~~ \, I 't ,

1 i i !aa····.'.... _.:.'..... :;:. - ..

(From top to bottom) The root developmentsof A/bizia fa/cataria seedlings. Euca/yptus ea-ma/du/ensis seedlings, and the Acacia mangi-um seedlings.

DENR·FMP Enhances CRMF preparations... contmuea from page 5

Luta upland Farmers ASSOciationOf Iflclgao conducting community mappingas part Of roresucnc Management Prolect.

6

With this, enhancement of CRMFwas then initiated in the FMP Tech-nical Bulletin No. 2014-02. It is en-visioned that once the applicabil-ity of the process is realized, it willform part of the Project's recom-mendation relative to the amend-ment of existing CRMF guidelines.

The enhanced process adheres tothe existing CBFM related policiesand follows the concept of partici-patory planning. Specifically, theenhancements are made on theprocess of conducting communitymapping and vision, mission andobjectives (VMOs) setting. The re-sulting CRMF will be translatedfrom the traditional narrative forminto maps, tables/matrices foreasier preparation and under-standing. Hence, the resultingCRMF is more visual rather thantextual in character. DENR shall fa-cilitate and guide the overall pro-cess of the community mapping .•

••• 1COAAuditors get involved in NGP Implementation By: Irma S. pau/me

NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM

Commission on Audit (COA) audi-tors assigned all over the countryparticipated in a series of hands-ontraining on geo-tagging. The audi-tors oriented on how the Depart-ment of Environment and NaturalResources (DENR) keeps track ofplanted trees and observe the im-provement on the condition of theland through this technology.

Geo-tagging is the process ofadding geographical informationwhich includes time informationto enable real time monitoring ofthe forest restoration effort of thecountry (NGP Geo-taggingManual, 2013). It shall be of greatassistance to the implementers,auditors and the public in moni-toring NGP planting sites nation-wide- which are protected toreach 64,474 sites by 2016. This isalso done to apprise them of thetechnicalities and importance ofthe submitted images, maps, fig-ures in the reports which arebeing required by the Depart-ment of Budget and Manage-ment (DBM).

The training was spearheaded bythe NGP Coordinating Office inthree batches conducted be-tween November to December2014. For the first batch, some 38auditors comprising of represent-atives from the National CapitalRegion, Cordillera AdministrativeRegion, Regions 2, 3, 4A, 4B andRegion 5 actively participated inthe training. During the secondand third batch of training, noteven typhoon "Ruby" could dis-courage 36 auditors from theCommission on Audit based inMindanao and Visayas.

COA Director Ma. Corazon S.Gomez of Cluster 8, Agriculture andEnvironment graced the event andthanked the DENR for the training.She reiterated in her message thatauditors are expected to internalizelearnings from the training not only

as demanded by their professionbut as good and active citizens ofthe country. She also added that aspartners of the Department, theyshould act as watchdogs in ensur-ing that every peso spent in the im-plementation of NGP counts .•

7

NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL BOARD

REMEDIOS S. EVANGELISTA

}"fanagingEdi tor

RICARDO L. CALDERONChairman

MAYUMI QUINTOS-NATIVIDADCo-Chair

EDNA D. NUESTRO

Edi tor-in-Chief INA KARISSA D. TOBIAS

Senior Article Editor

Contributing WritersROWELL B. VELONZA

FERDINAND U. ANDRESNELISSA MARIA B. ROCASMARY EDESTIN G. HENS ON

JOHN G. J ARAMILLIOIRMA S. P A ULME

PEMELYN B. SANTOS

EUGENE V. EST RADA

Submissions Chair

Layout ArtistJENINE F. GAMIL

RA YMOND B. SARMIENTO

Coordinated by:IEC COMMITTEE MEMBERS

f)1f) YDU KNDW THIIT"""A land vehicle, an aircraft, a television and solid wastes emit a largequantity of CO2 How many trees shallwe plant to maintain abreathable atmosphere? CO EMISSION No.of trees

(in Kilograms) to be planted= 2 trees

Average km per liter: 9-14Km driven/yr: 13,520-25.106Type of fuel: Diesel

4,684.84

Miles per year:10,001-20,000

2,242.93

kWh per year:7,201-14,400

6,569.30

Kg per year318-635

450.~

Source:http';/www.americanforests.org