The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has signed a department administrative order officially adopting the Philippines’ Roadmap to Readiness in the Voluntary Forest Carbon Market (2026–2030).
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the roadmap, developed with technical support from the United Nations Development Program, will provide a national strategic framework to transform the Philippines into a high-integrity investment destination for forest carbon.
It is also expected to unlock the economic value of the country’s carbon sinks while ensuring that forest protection and restoration initiatives support the nation’s climate goals under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
To ensure a robust and credible voluntary forest carbon market, the directive mandates the implementation of four priority areas for 2026-2030 – policy framework for VFCM engagement, data analytics and digital infrastructure, institutional mechanisms and sustainable financing and market development.
The roadmap was developed through extensive multi-stakeholder consultations involving national government agencies, local government units, the private sector. and civil society organizations with technical assistance from UNDP.
The order also emphasizes high-integrity standards, mandating that the DENR Climate Change Service would oversee alignment with national climate strategies.
It will take effect 15 days after publication.
