According to Environment Secretary Paje, the new law provides a much-needed boost to the profession by making it more attuned to the present time.
Republic Act No. 10690 or the Forestry Profession Act, which was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on October 23, repeals a similar law–RA 6239–that was enacted in 1971.
The new legislation upgrades the qualifications, skills, and education of foresters in managing forest ecosystems, especially in coping with environmental threats by industrialization, population growth, and climate change.
“The environmental landscape has changed so much since the first forestry profession law was enacted,” Paje who started his career in government as a forester more than three decades ago, pointed out.
“As this law recognizes the importance of forestry in nation-building and development, it will help current and future foresters not only to look on the economic benefits of forest management, but add a social dimension to it as well,” the environment chief added.
Under the new law, future foresters shall be degree holders in forestry, forest products engineering, or agroforestry. They are required to pass a licensure examination.
They are also required to undergo mandatory continuing professional development, such as training, seminars, and higher education, to develop their professional competence.
Temporary or special permits can be issued to registered foresters from other countries to allow them to practice in the Philippines, subject to certain conditions. The permit is valid for a period of one year, but can be renewed thereafter.
R.A. 10690 punishes with perpetual disqualification of practice anyone found violating the law, such as practicing forestry without a valid certificate of registration and professional identification card, or temporary or special permit.
The law also creates the Professional Regulatory Board of Foresters which, while under the administrative supervision and control of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), possesses executive, rule-making, and quasi-judicial powers to carry out the law’s provisions.
The Board shall be composed of a Chairperson and two members, all appointed by the President and serving a term of three years, renewable for another.
It also has the mandate to monitor the work conditions of practicing foresters and school facilities of forestry students to ensure that these are in accordance with existing standards and regulations.
R.A. 10690 integrates all forester organizations into one national organization duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Membership is open to all foresters included in the Registry Book of Foresters.
—From the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
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