Processing of tree cutting, earth-balling pemits transferred to DENR regional offices
THE application for tree cutting and earth-balling permits can now be submitted to respective regional offices.
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu issued the order transfering the authority to issue permits from the office of Undersecretary for Field Operations at the DENR Central Office to the 16 regional executive directors nationwide.
According to Cimatu, Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2021-11 transfers the authority to issue permits for the cutting and relocation of naturally-grown trees for areas and activities exempted from Executive Order (EO) 23 to the regions.
The ERO 23 signed in 2011 strictly prohibits the cutting and harvesting of timber in natural and residual forests.
Under the new DAO, procedures and approval processes involving naturally-grown trees in private lands are being streamlined.
It includes those in public or forest lands with approved tenure agreements like Forest Land Use Agreement, Forest Land Use Agreement for Tourism purposes, Special Land Use Permit, and Mineral Production and Sharing Agreement with approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program.
This time, Cimatu said the process of applying for cutting permits have been simplified and at the same time made it more accessible to private landowners and holders of DENR-issued land tenurial instruments.
