Output 1: Policy dialogue and updating of the SFM Bill
A1. Review of SFM Bills.
Seven House Bills were reviewed starting December 2017 (ahead of Project approval) by the Technical Working Group (composed of SFFI, DENR, FMB, HFI, TKI, NTFP, UPLB-FDC, among others) assigned by the House of Representatives - Committee on Natural Resources (HOR-CNR) to be led by the SFFI. The said assignment was done verbally by the HOR-CNR Committee Chairperson Representative Abellanosa during its November 2017 Committee Hearing when the SFFI was invited and represented by its National Council President, Forester Tommy T. Valdez.
A2. Coordination with House Committee.
Coordination with the HOR-CNR was made with the intention of reporting status of review and consolidation of filed SFM bills as tasked. Communications are being done through emails, calls, and text messages and even participation during Project activities. The Committee Secretariat, Mr. Raul Terso, has proactively updated the SFFI and extends invitation during the review and Bill drafting period.
A3. Conduct of policy dialogues.
The SFFI led two policy dialogues with the TWG to draft the Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Bill with respect to the seven bills filed. A total of 16 representatives from 7 organizations (UPLB-CFNR 2, FMB 2, DENR 1, FDC 3, PWPA 1, FAO 1, and RP 3) participated in the dialogues that was held at Abagatan ti Manila Hotel, Alfonso, Cavite City on 11-12 May 2018. Highlights of the said activity is the (1) drafting of SFM Bill articles and sections using the outcomes of the reviews; (2) presentation, discussion, and agreement on the form and content; and (3) consolidation of output leading to the draft SFM Bill.
A4. Finalize the harmonized and improved SFM Bill.
After a series of policy dialogues, the SFFI organized and conducted the SFM Bill Finalization Workshop to agree on the final form and substance of the SFM Bill with the TWG and other forestry stakeholders and resource persons. Said activity was conducted at the Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City on 20-21 July 2018 with 34 participants from 20 organizations (PWMC 1, IFMAP 1, DENR 1, TKI 2, UNDP 1, FMB 4, SFFI 6, HFI 2, FAO 1, RP 1, PWPA 1, NTFP 2, FDC 3, DLSU 1, FPE 1, PCEPSDI 1, UPLB-CFNR 2, IDC 1, PRC 1, and HOR-CNR 1).