In line with the effort to strengthen the implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment System for forestry projects, the following guidelines are hereby issued:

SECTION 1.       Scope - All forestry projects, unless covered by Article II, Section 2 of DAO No. 96-37, shall undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment.

SECTION 2.       Preparation of EIS - In preparing the Environmental Impact Statement for forestry projects, the proponent may refer to the Handbook on Environmental Impact Assessment for Forestry Projects and other relevant materials provided that, at all times, the proponent shall comply with DAO No. 96-37.

SECTION 3.       Coordination between the EMB - and FMB The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) shall coordinate with the Forest Management Bureau (FMB) in conducting the EIA for forestry projects.

SECTION 4.       Transitory Provision - All applications for 1997 IAOPs that have undergone Complete Staff Work (CSW) and final action by FMB as of April 30, 1997 and all application for IAOPs submitted in 1996 shall be processed in accordance with Section 3.7 of DMC no. 96-04.

There is no final action by FMB if the IAOP is returned to the bureau for further action.

This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 29 April 1997