The first project under CBFM-CARP program financed by its Agrarian Reform Fund was the Agroforestry Expansion Project implemented starting on September 2007 by the Tao Kalikasan Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (TKFP) in Barangays Tigbinan, Kanapawan and Sitio Benquet in Labo, Camarines Norte. Three farmer cooperative-members of the TKFP carried out the 67-hectare project in Barangay Tigbinan (29 hectares), Barangay Kanapawan (19 hectares) and Sitio Benguet (19 hectares).

      Among its accomplishments are: 1) Established/planted 67 hectares agroforestry farms. Agroforestry farm development is the planting of forest trees combined with agricultural crops; 2) Established a 500-square meter nursery and produced 107,254 indigenous (native) and 6,700 grafted fruit bearing trees; and 3) Purchased and distributed 15 heads of carabaos to members of (TKFP) .

      Foresters and other personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources involved in the CBFM-CARP program said that due to the multiple benefits derived by the communities from projects implemented, more People's Organizations became interested.

      So, in Calendar Year 2008, two (2) more projects were approved and implemented. These are 1.) Upland Rice Production and Fruit Orchard Development in San Pascual, Basud, Camarines Norte; and 2.) Pili-Based Agroforestry Farming in La Victoria, Bula, Camarines Sur.

      In 2009, five additional projects were approved and implemented, namely, 1). Watershed Reforestation through Agroforestry Development Project; 2). Integrated Kawayan Tinik and Anahaw Agroforestry Project in Pambuhan, Mercedes, Camarines Norte; 3). Salago Enhancement and Abaca Orchard for Livelihood and Environmental Protection project; 4). Rattan-Abaca Agroforestry and Development Project in Rizal, Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte; and 5). Integrated Agroforestry Development Project in Maonon. Ligao.

      Of the eight CBFM-CARP projects, one project has been turned over to the peoples' organization at Barangay Tigbinan, while seven (7) are on-going and being monitored and supervised by the DENR in the provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Albay.

      The CBFM program was adopted in the Bicol Region in 1994 pursuant to Executive Order No. 263 adopting CBFM as a national strategy to ensure the sustainable development of the country's forest resources. On October 10, 1996, DENR Administrative Order 96-29 was issued to implement the CBFM strategy.

      The objective of CBFM is to empower and train people or communities to be effective partner of DENR in the sustainable management of forest resources. "Guided by the idea that putting people's welfare first, by making them beneficiaries of our forest products and training them to be capable stewards of our natural resources - sustainable development will follow," a DENR brochure states.

      The DENR also seeks partnership with LGUs, NGOs and other groups in the implementation of CBFM program.

      CBFM applies to all areas classified as forest lands, including allowable zones within protected areas not covered by prior vested rights.

      Participants in the program are people actually residing within or adjacent to forest lands. They could actually be tilling portions of the area or traditionally using the forest resources for livelihood.

The participants are organized into people's organization which represents the interest of the members, protect and maintain forest land entrusted to their stewardship. The DENR and Local Government Unit identify CBFM areas, and organize and prepare CBFM communities.

      In the Bicol region, there are now 116 Community-Based Forest Management Agreements (CBFMAs) covering 49,080 hectares with 116 people's organization benefiting 8,320 people.(ASA)

                                                                                                          APPROVED FOR RELEASE

                                                                                                          JOSELIN MARCUS E. FRAGADA
                                                                                                          Regional Executive Director
                                                                                                          ASA/dhayn