Book 4, Title 0, Sec. 14The Forest Management Bureau shall be headed by a Director and assisted by an Assistant Director, and shall integrate and absorb the

Forest Management Bureau. - The Forest Management Bureau shall be headed by a Director and assisted by an Assistant Director, and shall integrate and absorb the powers of the Bureau of Forest Development and the Wood Industry Development Authority which were abolished by Executive Order No. 131, except those line functions and powers thereof which are transferred to the regional field office.

It shall advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to forest development and conservation. As its primary functions, it shall:

(1) Recommend policies and/or programs for the effective protection, development, occupancy, management and conservation of forest lands and watersheds, including the grazing and mangrove areas; reforestation and rehabilitation of critically denuded or degraded forest reservations, improvement of water resource use and development, development of national parks, preservation of wilderness areas, game refuges and wildlife sanctuaries, ancestral lands, wilderness areas and other natural preserves, development of forest plantations, including rattan, bamboo, and other valuable non-timber forest resources; and rationalization of the wood-based industries, regulation of the utilization and exploitation of forest resources, including wildlife, to ensure continuous supply of forest and goods and services;

(2) Advise the regional offices in the implementation of the above policies and/or programs;

(3) Develop plans, programs, operating standards and administrative measures to promote the Bureau's objectives and functions;

(4) Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of forestry and watershed development projects to ensure efficiency and effectiveness;

(5) Undertake studies on the economics of forestry and forest-based industries, including supply and demand trends on the local, national and international levels, identifying investment problems and opportunities in various areas; and

(6) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the Secretary.