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Delineating the Philippines’ Specific Forest Limits


Forests in the Philippines hold immense environmental, social, cultural, and economic value, yet their existence is under threat due to ongoing deforestation. Section 4, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates Congress to determine by law the specific limits of forest

lands and national parks, marking clearly their boundaries on the ground. The absence of a comprehensive law that clearly defines the country's forest boundaries has resulted in confusion and mismanagement of these critical resources. This confusion has led to conflicts and encroachments on forest lands, including squatting, illegal occupancy, unlawful titling, and timber poaching. This policy brief examines the current state of the country's forests, emphasizing the urgent need for a forest delineation bill. It explores the processes involved in accurately determining the specific limits of forest areas and discusses legislative proposals aimed at resolving the issue. By enacting a forest delineation law, the Philippines can effectively safeguard its forests, mitigate deforestation, and promote sustainable land use and management practices.


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