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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2026-38 dated 17 September 2026, amending the rules on the Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA). The special uses of forest lands now expressly include communication station sites, energy-related facilities and infrastructure, transmission line rights-of-way and ports, among others.

The Order revises the application requirements, sets a three-month window after approval to submit DOE, CAAP, NWRB or PCSD clearances and a CPC or CPCN, fixes annual user’s fees for communication sites and energy areas, and targets processing of complete applications within twenty (20) working days. It points to effectivity on or about 10 October 2026.