Guidelines in the Cutting, Gathering, Collection and/or Removal of Trees within Residential Lots

DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-06

Subject: Guidelines in the Cutting, Gathering, Collection and/or Removal of Trees within Residential Lots

Signed: February 25, 2026 . Published: Manila Standard, February 28, 2026 . Acknowledged: ONAR, UP Law Center, March 2, 2026

Legal Basis

Pursuant to PD 705 as amended (Revised Forestry Code), PD 953 (Requiring the Planting of Trees), RA 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act), and EO 23 s. 2011 (Moratorium on Cutting and Harvesting of Timber in Natural and Residual Forests).

Section 1. Basic Policy

It is the policy of the State to protect and advance a balanced and healthy ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature through the promotion of sustainable management and development of natural resources, ensuring the continuous wood supply for present and future generations.

Section 2. Objectives

To provide clear guidelines and uniform procedure across DENR Field Offices in the cutting, gathering, collection and/or removal of trees within residential lots.

Section 3. Scope and Coverage

This Order shall cover the cutting, gathering, collection and/or removal of trees within parcels of land zoned as residential.

Section 4. Permit Exemption

No permit shall be required for cutting, gathering, collecting and/or removing of not more than two (2) trees within a residential lot, provided there is prior notice to the concerned DENR CENRO/Implementing PENRO/RED in case of NCR. The prescribed notification template is attached as Annex A.

Section 5. Transport Documents

Any logs and/or tree derivatives transported outside the residential lot shall be accompanied by a corresponding transport permit in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. Logs and/or tree derivatives that will only be utilized within the residential lot shall not need any permit.

Section 8. Effectivity

Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon filing of three (3) certified copies with ONAR and the UP Law Center.

Annex A . Notification for Tree Cutting

Required information includes lot owner contact information (name, mailing address, email, contact number) and tree cutting activity information (complete address, number of trees to be cut/removed) with signature.

Signed by Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla. Source: User-uploaded official DENR PDF (DAO-2026-06).