The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has officially adopted the Philippines’ Roadmap to Readiness in the Voluntary Forest Carbon Market (VFCM) for 2026–2030. DENR Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla signed the Department Administrative Order (DAO) formalizing the plan.
Developed with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the roadmap sets a national strategy to make the Philippines a credible destination for forest carbon investments. It aims to turn the country’s forests into economic assets while supporting climate goals under the nation’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and improving livelihoods for local communities.
The DAO outlines key areas to ensure a robust and credible forest carbon market. It includes harmonizing policies for forest carbon trading and clarifying carbon ownership, establishing digital systems such as a National Forest Monitoring System and Carbon Credit Database to prevent double counting, and strengthening institutional coordination by designating the Forest Management Bureau to oversee terrestrial forests and the Biodiversity Management Bureau to manage blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves and seagrass.
The plan also emphasizes sustainable financing and market development, including fair benefit-sharing with communities and exploring mechanisms such as a potential carbon Trust Fund to reinvest revenues directly into forest management and protection. High-integrity standards will be maintained, with the DENR Climate Change Service ensuring alignment with national climate strategies.
The radmap was developed through extensive consultations with government agencies, local governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The DAO will take effect 15 days after its publication.
