Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) · DAO 2026-02
Adoption of the Philippines Readiness in the Voluntary Forest Carbon Market: Roadmap (2026-2030)
DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-02
Subject: Adoption of the Philippines Readiness in the Voluntary Forest Carbon Market: Roadmap (2026-2030)
Published: Manila Bulletin, February 10, 2026; Acknowledged: ONAR, UP Law Center, February 10, 2026
Legal Basis
PD 705 as amended (Revised Forestry Code) and RA 9729 (Climate Change Act of 2009), in alignment with the Philippines' commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contribution.
Section 1. Objectives
The Roadmap is the official guide for DENR participation in the voluntary forest carbon market. It addresses gaps in policy, institutional capacity, data infrastructure, and financing through four priority areas:
- Policy framework for voluntary carbon market engagement
- Data analytics, MRV, and carbon registry systems
- Institutional mechanisms and capacity building
- Sustainable financing and market development
Section 2. Scope
Covers terrestrial forest ecosystems and blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves and seagrass beds).
Section 3. Institutional Arrangements
- Forest Management Bureau (FMB): overall technical coordinator; leads implementation for terrestrial forest lands, protected areas, and national parks.
- Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB): leads blue carbon ecosystems, in alignment with the National Blue Carbon Roadmap, with FMB and ERDB.
- Climate Change Service (CCS): oversight on carbon market policy alignment with national climate strategies and international commitments.
Section 4. Technical Systems
Bureaus are mandated to establish the National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) and Forest Spatial Dataset Portal, and a Forest Carbon Credit Database linked to the National Carbon Registry under the Article 6 Policy Framework.
Section 5. Financing
DENR, in consultation with the Department of Finance, will explore financing mechanisms, including a dedicated Trust Fund or revenue-recycling of carbon credit proceeds into forest restoration and protection.
Key Roadmap Milestones
The Roadmap targets an operational framework for verified forest carbon credits recognized in the national registry by 2027, a framework enabling international transfers by 2028, a mid-term review in 2028, and a final evaluation in 2030.
Effectivity
Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication and upon filing of three certified copies with ONAR and the UP Law Center.
Signed by Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla. Source: official DENR issuance with annexed Roadmap (DAO-2026-02).
Important Notice
EnviSynergy exercises due diligence in researching and summarizing this policy. This summary is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice or an official interpretation of the issuance. The policy may have been amended, superseded, or clarified after publication, and this summary may not capture every provision of the original text. For the complete, accurate, and most current version, users are advised to consult the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or the relevant issuing agency directly before making any compliance or project decision.
Policy Details
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