Master_thesis

1 Introduction
1.1 Philippine Forest Policy Perspective
The latter half of the 1980s marked the beginning of a paradigm shift in the forest policy in
the Philippines. Forests are no longer seen solely as economic development engines, but
also as important protectors of ecosystems, watersheds, endangered and threatened wildlife
species, and homes for endangered cultures and indigenous communities. Moreover, there
is a growing emphasis on the notion of civil society’s participation in the decision-making
process related to the management of forest resources. These interesting shifts toward
conservation and people’s participation are stated expansively in the Philippine forest
policies.
Historically, Forestry Act of 1904, enacted by the United States Congress during the
Philippine Commonwealth era, was considered the backbone of the Philippine forest policy.
Overtaken by the events, it was succeeded by Presidential Decree No. 705 (P.D. 705), as
amended, otherwise known as the “Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.” Since its
issuance in 1975, the Revised Forestry Code became the lynchpin of forest policies to this
date. However, the growing awareness to the fact that most of its provisions are no longer in
accord with the current trends on resource conservation and management, has led to ongoing
agitations amongst interest groups to revise the 1975 Code. This seemingly infantile stage in
foreseeable change in policy poses a new opportunity and challenge to study them.
Nevertheless, the study on policy change that had prior occurred and hereto discussed in this
paper, is considerably of equal importance.
1.2 Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines
The revised 1975 Forestry Code outlines the policies of the State in the management of
forest and its resources. The policies indicate that:
- The multiple uses of forest lands shall be oriented to the development of the
country, the advancement of science and technology and the public welfare;
- Land classification and survey shall be systematized and hastened;
- The establishment of wood processing plants shall be encouraged and
rationalized; and
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