Event:
Launch of the Sagip GUBAT (saGipin Ugat ng Buhay At Tubig) Network, a
national network of forest conservation advocates aiming to lobby for
the enactment of the Forest Resources Bill (FRB) and to address issues
in forest governance.

Key Attendees:
Honorable Representatives Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr., Arthur Defensor
Jr., and Mel Senen Sarmiento; Prof. Blas Tabaranza of Haribon
Foundation; Fr. Pete Montallana of Save Sierra Madre Network, and
other Sagip GUBAT network representatives will speak about the
importance of the FRB and the network.

Time and Date:
27 April 2011, 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.

Venue:
Sapphire Room, Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, Ortigas Ave. corner ADB
Ave., Quezon City

Photo and video opportunities:
There will be an open forum after the panelists give their statements.
The panelists will also participate in a seedling potting session.

Inquiries/RSVP:
Denise Fontanilla, (02) 434.4642, 0922-8151938, rainforestation@haribon.org.ph

Background:
A group of civil society organizations (CSOs) drafted the FRB, its
version of the Sustainable Forest Management Bill, and lobbied for its
filing in the House of Representatives last year. The major provisions
of the FRB are the protection of all natural forests, primary and
secondary; the adoption of an ecological-based definition of the
forest; the addition of a restoration area classification instead of a
protection-production dichotomy; the integration of watershed
continuum-based forest management; and the empowerment of local
governments and communities in forest governance.

Last February 1, President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order
No. 23 which declared a nationwide moratorium on the cutting and
harvesting of timber in natural and residual forests. Many
environmental groups lauded this initiative, which provided
significant support to the lobbying for a new forest policy.

The group thought that a network should be established to be more
effective in the campaign and to address issues in forest governance
as well. Thus, Sagip GUBAT was created last March to:

1. Raise awareness on the importance of forests and the urgency of the
Forest Resources Bill;
2. Lobby for the enactment of the FRB and other important forest
policies (Executive Order No. 23);
3. Strengthen multi-stakeholder, forest-based partnerships;
4. Facilitate CSO participation in forest policy development,
implementation, monitoring, and evaluation;
5. Share information and resources among those engaged in forest
conservation-related activities; and
6. Promote integrity in forest governance.

Related Articles

• [Invitation] Join Sagip GUBAT (hronlineph.wordpress.com)
• Intensification of Forest Management (equalityindia.wordpress.com)
• Who cares about the Forest? (greenenergygreenpower.wordpress.com)
• Forests are the Lungs of the Earth (christopherjudson.wordpress.com)