25 years on: A new blueprint for forest protection

Despite being one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, the Philippines has long struggled with effective forest protection. For decades, the approach was largely limited to drawing lines on maps, declaring areas as protected, and assigning a handful of under-resourced rangers to patrol vast forest tracts. While these efforts were rooted in good intentions, they were reactive and lacked the resources or incentives needed to address the deeper causes of deforestation.

The recent launch of the Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) marks a bold departure from these practices. By consolidating various fragmented tenure instruments into a single, unified 25-year renewable agreement, the SFLMA allows local communities, entrepreneurs, and local governments to work together under one clear framework for forest-based investments.

What makes this shift so important?

First, it is grounded in economic reality. Forests are living infrastructure that protect biodiversity, sequester carbon, and sustain livelihoods. When communities benefit directly from keeping forests healthy, the incentive to protect them becomes real and enduring.

Second, it scales up climate action. Globally, forest loss contributes about 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. The Philippines’ target under the Forests for Life initiative to plant and nurture five million trees by 2028 is a significant contribution to national and global climate targets.

Third, it unlocks investment opportunities. Already, the DENR has identified over 1.18 million hectares of forest land as Potential Investment Areas for agroforestry, grazing, and ecotourism. This opens the door for public-private partnerships that drive sustainable development.

The Aboitiz Group appreciates the new SFLMA framework as this aligns with our own journey towards becoming the country’s first techglomerate by harnessing technology for sustainability. Through initiatives like Carbon PH, which integrates science and data-driven monitoring for the large-scale reforestation of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, the group demonstrates how innovation can amplify reforestation and carbon sequestration efforts.

I commend DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla, former Secretary Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David, and the Forest Management Bureau led by Assistant Director Ray Thomas Kabigting for their leadership in developing this landmark agreement. The SFLMA stands to become a lasting legacy, safeguarding our environment for future generations.

The agreement, of course, is just the starting point. Effective implementation will depend on transparent processes, robust monitoring, and adaptive governance. The DENR must strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders to sustain the policy’s impact.

As The DAILY TRIBUNE marks its 25th anniversary, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the strides made in forest management over the past quarter-century and to look ahead to what’s next. For 25 years, it has educated and inspired Filipinos to care for the environment. I am confident that in the next 25 years, The Daily Tribune will continue to spotlight innovations and partnerships creating a greener, more resilient Philippines.