About Us
The mandate of FDC is not one of isolation but that of social intercourse. It dictates the Center to be in the forest, natural resources and environment (FNRE) policy forefront, interacting and hobnobbing with the simple folks in the rural/far-flung areas of the country and the more affluent people who populate the various hierarchical strata of government and private agencies, institutions, organizations and other interest groups.
who we are
The Forestry Development Center (FDC) was established in 11 June 1978 through the enactment of PD 1559. Its mandate is to conduct basic policy researches in forestry and develop or help develop an efficient machinery for forestry policy formulation and implementation. It started operating in 1981 after its initial budget was released by the National Government. The Center has a Director, selected by a Search Committee, from the ranks of the faculty of the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources. Its working force is composed of 29 personnel categorized into technical and administrative. The technical staff members are composed of 17 whose academic backgrounds are as follows: 5 have PHD degrees, 7 finished their Masters degrees, and 5 hold baccalaureate degrees with masteral units. On the other hand, the administrative personnel numbered 12 with 6 who finished BS degrees (wherein two (2) had taken masteral units), while the rest are either high school graduates or college/high school drop-outs. For more than 30 years, the Center accomplished the following: In terms of policy research, it had conducted 98 qualitative and quantitative research projects/studies. Under policy/bill review, it has analyzed, commented and/or forwarded recommendations on 273 PDs, RAs, EOs, DAOs, MOs, MCs, bills and other issuances. For interpersonal communications, it has conducted forums, seminars, round-table discussions, and workshops totaling 130. As for the print medium, the Center has come up with 64 publications: 35 policy papers, 3 manuals/handbook, 17 issues of a popular bulletin, Philippine Forestry Policy Forum, and 9 General Technical Report Series. Added to these are a number of Terminal Reports of completed researches. Furthermore, the Center has also put up 10 photographic exhibits. The Center does not work alone but engages the assistance of various government/private agencies, non-government organizations, educational institutions, people’s organizations and other entities/individuals whose lines of work are related to forestry, natural resources and the environment. Thus, it has established and continued strengthening linkages, and hand-in-hand with them, the Center fulfills its mandate. Most notable end product form these linkages is the respect and recognition earned by the Center in its efforts in the policy-making process, as evidenced by the collaborative works it has been doing, particularly with the Houses of Representatives and Senate, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The Center has also been active in networking and liaisoning with these linkages for more significant collaboration in its pursuit for sustainable forest management which is, incidentally its banner program. Advocacy for the passage of important forest, natural resources and environment bills is also another task the Center was into. HISTORY
The Forestry Development Center derived its mandate under Section 11 of Presidential Decree 1559, a decree amending P.D. 705, otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines. A pertinent portion of this section in the decree is quoted as follows: “There shall be established in the College of Forestry, University of the Philippines at Los Baños, in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources and the Wood Industry, a Forestry Development Center which shall conduct basic policy researches in forestry and develop or help develop an effective machinery for forestry policy formulation and implementation.” The decree was signed into law on 11 June 1978. The Forestry Development Center became operational on 02 February 1981 after the release of its initial budget appropriated by the National Government. Part of the initial budget went into the construction of an additional wing at the UPLB College of Forestry Administration Building to house the Center. The construction began in 1982 converting the roof garden of the building into the Office of the Director, Conference Room, Clerical Pool, Computer Room and Reading Room. The extension was built on the eastern part of the building with one office room and a canteen at the ground floor and 3 office rooms on the second floor. Two new cars were likewise bought for the official use of the Center (both were condemned in the 90s because of inserviceability) whose mandate required constant mobility and linkaging with other offices, agencies, organizations engaged in forestry, natural resources and environment matters. Initially, the Center has 29 personnel, excluding the Director who, as a faculty member belonged to an academic department of the College. Of this number, 17 were technical staff members while 12 were administrative and support staff. Several Forestry Development Fellows with honoraria were also appointed to assist the technical staff during the Center’s fledgling years. The team
Director - Dixon T. Gevaña Forest Industries & Utilization Policy Unit
Programs
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Vision The Forestry Development Center as the Center of Excellence for policy research and development in forestry and natural resources management towards a better quality of life and the environment. Mission
Develop comprehensive policies responsive to local, national and global concerns toward the attainment of sustainable forestry and natural resources. Objectives Based on its mandate and in support of its vision, mission and goal, the Center aims to:
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