The Community-Based Forest Management Program (CBFMP) refers to any forest

development program that uses the CBFM strategy. And this method contributes to
long-term development. The CBFM aims to achieve the following objectives:

a) Protect and advance the rights of the Filipino people to a healthy environment.
b) Improve socio-economic conditions through the promotion of social justice and
equitable access to and sustainable development of forestland resources; and
c) Respect the rights of indigenous peoples to their ancestral domains by
considering their customs, traditions, and beliefs in the formulation of laws and
policies.

CBFMP was established by Administrative Order No. 96-29 of the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources, which integrated and unified all the government's
people-oriented programs, such as the Integrated Social Forestry Program, Upland
Development Project, Forest Land Management Program, etc. to improve forest
management in the Philippines and to achieve the long-term sustainability of forest
resources of all local communities.

The primary participants in the CBFMP shall be the local communities

represented by their organizations which refers to as People's Organizations (POs).

The areas available for CBFMP implementation are those in the public domain's
uplands and coastal lands, those with communities residing inside or next to forest
lands and who rely heavily on forest lands resources for a living, and those close to or
joining current CBFM projects. CBFMP is also inapplicable in several situations and
can’t be implemented to the following areas:

 areas cover by existing prior right except when the lessee, permittee or
agreement holder executes a waiver in favor of the PO applying for the CBFM
Agreement. Upon termination of any pre-existing permit for non-timber forest
products however, the permit shall not be renewed, and any new permit shall be
given to the CBFMA holder.
 Forest lands which have been assigned by law under the administration and
control of other government agencies, except upon written consent of the
government agency concerned; and
 National Council for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) certified ancestral lands and
domains, except when the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples
opt to participate in CBFM.
 CBFMP implementation will take place in four stages: first is the Preparatory
Stage, the PO Formation and Diagnostic Stage, the Planning Stage, then the
Implementation Stage.
You can obtain lots of benefits in participating in the CBFMP implementation. For
example, within a certified CBFM area, you can occupy and manage forest lands and
their resources, and you are also exempt from paying for the land rental.