Through the initiative of the Forest Management Services (FMS), on October 12 at South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi, MENRE commenced a two-day writing workshop on Situational Analysis and Strategic Direction: A Participatory Process on Forest Land Use Planning.

The said training was led by FMS Director Abdul-Jalil S. Umngan with his team. Part of the working group was Community ENRE Officer of Tawi-Tawi District II, Abdulmukim J. Maruji.

The key points of the activity were Spatial Data Preparation, Strategic Direction, Situational Analysis, and Participatory Planning in the allocation of Forests and Forest Lands (FFL) for the Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP). The plan is in line with the Ministry’s primary responsibility of utilizing and managing the region’s environment and natural resources for just and lasting peace and development. All of the areas abovementioned were discussed by the two invited Resource Persons, Al-Wahab V. Harun and FLUP Consultant and Environmental Planner Moises C. Torrentira, Jr., PhD.

This FLUP is the first to be initiated in the province, also taking the final stage of preparation. It will be submitted to MENRE Regional Office for approval once the FLUP – Technical Working Group finishes the final report.

Furthermore, Mayor Hadzri H. Matba, other local executives, and the constituents in attendance expressed solid support for the project as this plan is part of the Ministry’s pursuit of meaningful engagement with its stakeholders.