1 Proposed Amendments to the Amended By-Laws of the SFFI

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1 AMENDED BY-LAWS
2 OF THE SOCIETY OF FILIPINO FORESTERS, INC
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4
5 ARTICLE 1
6 GENERAL PROVISIONS
7
8
91. Nature
10
111.1 The SFFI, hereinafter referred to as the Society, is an independent, democratic,
12non-political and non-partisan professional organization incorporated under the laws of
13the Republic of the Philippines.
14
151.2 The Society is organized for the primary purpose of advancing the arts and
16sciences of forestry in order to promote the standards of practice and business in the
17Philippines, and to protect the interests and standards of the forestry profession for the
18benefit of the general public, country, and the environment.
19
201.3 The Society is the recognized accredited integrated professional organization
21(AIPO) by the Professional Regulatory Board for Foresters and the Professional
22Regulation Commission (PRC).
23
24
252. Guiding Principles
26
272.1 In the pursuit of the objectives of the Society as contained in its amended
28Articles of Incorporation, every member of the Society shall always abide by the
29following principles:
30
31 a. No member or group of members shall use the name of the Society for any
32 purpose without its consent.
33
34 b. Every member must be guided by the concept that what is good for the
35 forest, the forestry sector, and the forestry profession is good for the country
36 and the people, and vice versa, and that environmental, social and economic
37 needs of the citizen can be met by sound and sustainable forest
38 management, and must conduct his/her vocation with highest
39 professionalism.
40
41 c. Every member shall promote and serve the interest of the forestry profession
42 and the Society, as well as support the legitimate aspiration or cause of the
43 other members.
44
452.2 The Society adheres to the highest standards of professionalism and
46commitment to service and upholds such values as: integrity, professional excellence,
47innovation, teamwork, social responsibility and commitment.
48
49
503. Organization
51
523.1 The Organizational Structure of the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. is shown
53in Annex 1.
54
553.2 Chapter - the Provincial/Local Chapter, composed of at least fifteen (15)
56members, is the basic organizational unit of the SFFI to be organized in every
57province/city or community within the existing political regions of the country.
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593.3 Regional & Sectorial Council – the Regional Council shall be composed of all
60elected Provincial/Local Chapter Presidents in each political region, while the Sectorial
61Council by Chapter Presidents from Sectorial Representatives.
62
633.4 National Council – the National Council is composed by all elected Presidents
64of the SFFI Regional and Sectorial Councils. It exercises the corporate powers of the
65SFFI and controls all businesses conducted and holds all properties of the Society.
66
673.5 General Assembly - the General Assembly is composed of all bona fide
68members from all SFFI Provincial/Local Chapters in the existing political regions of the
69country. It is the supreme authority of the SFFI. It directs the affairs of the SFFI
70through duly elected and appointed officers from the Chapters up to the National
71Council. It has the exclusive prerogative to consider and decide on matters as may be
72necessary and proper to effectively implement the objectives of SFFI through the
73representation of the Chapter Presidents.
74
75
764. Governing Law
77
784.1 The SFFI Chapters shall have, for their basic law, the Articles of Incorporation
79and By-Laws of the Society.
80
814.2 However, each Provincial Chapter may promulgate such rules and regulations,
82not inconsistent with said Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, necessary to govern
83the conduct of local affairs.
84
85
865. Seal
87
885.1 The Corporate seal of the Society shall consist of a distinctly bordered oblong
89configuration inscribed therein is a tree resembling any dipterocarp species, the bold
90letters ‘SFFI’ and the figure 1948 against a background that would highlight them
91(Annex 2).
92
935.2 The National Council may revise the seal in such form and design as may be
94determined by it.
95
96
976. Headquarters
98
996.1 The National Office of the SFFI shall be in Metro Manila.
100
1016.2 The SFFI Regional Council may establish their Headquarters in such a location
102accessible to all the Provincial/Local Chapters.
103
1046.3 SFFI Provincial/Local Chapters may establish their Headquarters in such
105location as their officer and members may decide. They shall ensure that said
106location/address, including changes and/or transfers, shall be communicated
107immediately with the concerned Regional Council and the National Council.
108
109
110 ARTICLE 2
111 MEMBERSHIP
112
113
1141. Qualification and Classification of Members
115
1161.1 Membership in the Society shall be opened to any: (a) registered and licensed
117natural person who holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional

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118identification card issued by the Professional Regulatory Board for Foresters and the
119Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), pursuant to Republic Act No. 10690 or the
120Forestry Profession Act; (b) graduate of bachelor’s degree in Forestry or Forest Products
121Engineering or Agro-forestry and consistently represented the interest and objectives;
122and (c) juridical person who fully subscribes to the objectives of the Society and/or
123supports the Society by way of money, goods, and/or service contributions.
124
1251.2 The members of the Society shall be classified as regular, associate, honorary,
126and institutional.
127
1281.3 Regular Member – A regular member is a natural person who is a registered
129Professional Forester pursuant to Republic Act No. 6239 and Republic Act. No. 10690,
130and pays membership fee and annual dues to the Society. A regular member may be
131graded into a Fellow Member or Life Member.
132
1331.4 A Fellow Member is a regular member and/or life member in good standing for
134at least ten (10) years who has achieved outstanding accomplishment in any field of
135forestry worthy of national or international recognition and, for such reason, has also
136enhanced the prestige of the Society. Not more than two (2) fellows shall be elected for
137each year.
138
1391.5 A Life Member is a regular member who opts to pay the prescribed one-time
140dues or fees.
141
1421.6 Associate Member – Anybody who is a graduate of bachelor’s degree in forestry
143or forest products engineering or agro-forestry and consistently represented the interest
144and objectives of the Society
145
1461.7 Honorary Member – Any natural person who is not qualified for admission as a
147regular member may be conferred Honorary Membership to the SFFI by a unanimous
148decision of the Members of the National Council if he/she is a person of acknowledged
149professional eminence with accomplishments that have significantly contributed to the
150enhancement of the forestry profession, or has achieved national or international
151recognition as an advocate of forest conservation; or by reason of exceptional
152knowledge, background, or training, is capable and willing to lend support of the
153Society.
154
1551.8 Institutional Member – A corporation, company, firm, government agency,
156school, college or university employing foresters or engaged in forestry activities and
157fully subscribe to the objectives of the Society and/or supports the Society by way of
158money, goods, and/or service contributions. The institution, which has been accepted
159as member shall be represented by its chief executive officer or its duly authorized
160representative.
161
1621.9 The SFFI may confer the Fellow Award and/or Honorary Membership to any
163eligible person upon the recommendation of the Awards and Recognition Committee
164and upon unanimous approval of the Members of the National Council.
165
166
1672. Admission
168
1692.1 A prospecting member may only be admitted to the Society via a recognized
170Provincial/Local Chapter either by direct application, by recommendation by the Board
171of Examiners for Foresters, or by invitation of the Society.
172
1732.2 The members of the Provincial/Local Chapters may be admitted under any of
174the following modes prescribed item 3.1.
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1762.3 A Regular Member may be admitted either by direct application to the
177Provincial/Local Chapter concerned, by recommendation of the Board of Examiners for
178Foresters, or by invitation of the Society thru the concerned Chapter.
179
1802.4 An Associate Member may be admitted by invitation of the Society thru the
181concerned Chapter.
182
1832.5 An Honorary Member may be admitted by recommendation of the concerned
184Chapter unanimously indorsed by the members of the Regional Council and affirmative
185vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the National Council.
186
1872.6 Any interested and qualified juridical person or entity may become an
188institutional member upon invitation by the Society thru the Provincial/Local Chapter
189concerned.
190
1912.7 Application for membership shall be made in writing using the Form and in
192accordance with the procedures prescribed by the National Council. It shall be the
193duty of every qualified Forester to submit his/her curriculum vitae, which shall include
194his permanent residence and place of office, as the basis for the issuance of a
195Certificate of Membership in a form prescribed by the National Council.
196
1972.8 Every member of Society shall be entitled to a Certificate of Membership upon
198verification of his qualifications by the National Council, and upon payment of the
199required dues prescribed in these by-laws.
200
2012.9 Every member, entitled to a certificate as herein provided (Annex 3), shall take
202the Society’s Membership Pledge before any national, regional or chapter officer, at any
203monthly meeting of members, or in any national, regional or chapter office. The
204Certificate of Membership shall thereupon be issued to him.
205
2062.10 Any member may transfer from one chapter to another chapter by informing
207his/her home chapter through a written request supported by an acceptance letter
208from the chapter he/she is transferring. No member shall, at any time, be a member of
209more than one chapter.
210
211
2123. Rights and/or Privileges of Members
213
2143.1 Regular Members shall have the following rights and/or privileges:
215
216 3.1.1 To vote or to be voted upon in any election for membership and/or
217 officership in the National Council;
218
219 3.1.2 To be appointed in any office or committee of the Society;
220
221 3.1.3 To attend and participate in all deliberations or meeting of the Society
222 and when applicable, to earn the equivalent credit to meet the
223 requirements of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) regarding
224 continuing professional development (CPD);
225
226 3.1.4 To represent a committee, the National Council, or the Society in any
227 fora when so delegated by the President of the Society; and
228
229 3.1.5 To examine all the records or books of the Society during business hours
230
2313.2 Honorary Members, Associate Members and Institutional Members shall have
232no voting right but have the right to participate only in all deliberations, meetings, or
233activities of the Society.
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235
2364. Duties and Responsibilities of Members
237
2384.1 All members of the Society shall, in addition to the Code of Ethics of the Filipino
239Forester, observe the following:
240
241 4.1.1 To faithfully obey and comply with the By-Laws and such other rules
242 and regulations of the Society
243
244 4.1.2 To attend and participate actively in all meetings of the Society that
245 may be called by the National Council and/or SFFI Chapters
246
247 4.1.3 To promptly pay membership dues, fees and other assessment of the
248 Society
249
250 4.1.4 To participate in the continuing professional development (CPD)
251 program and training implemented by the Society;
252
253 4.1.5 To inform the concerned Regional Council on matters affecting
254 membership to the organization including transfer of work and/or
255 residence with provision of getting endorsed to the Chapter most
256 convenient to the member; and
257
258 4.1.6 To seek and present clearance from the Provincial Chapter where
259 the member is previously affiliated ensuring that all obligations are
260 settled prior to transfer.
261
262
2635. Expulsion or Suspension of Members
264
2655.1 A member may be expelled or suspended by the National Council upon the
266recommendation of the Regional Council for any of the following just causes:
267
268 5.1.1 Failure to pay dues, fees, and other assessments of the Society.
269
270 5.1.2 Failure to participate in annual assemblies of the Society without valid
271 reason as may be approved by the concerned Regional Council;
272
273 5.1.3 Failure to retain status as Registered Professional Forester with the
274 Professional Regulation Commission; or
275
276 5.1.4 Unethical conduct or conduct unbecoming prejudicial to the interest of
277 the Society.
278
279
2806. Procedure for the Expulsion or Suspension of a Member
281
2826.1 No member of the Society will be expelled or suspended without due process of
283law.
284
2856.2 The Society shall accord the member due process in the course of expulsion or
286suspension thru the following procedures:
287
288 6.2.1 The National Council shall inform the concerned member/s a Notice of
289 Offense thru the concerned Regional Council via its Secretary or the
290 concerned Provincial Chapter President by way of formal writing and/or
291 email.
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293 6.2.2 The concerned member will be allowed a written reply within 30
294 calendar days upon receipt of the Notice of Offense. Failure to do so will
295 be deemed by the National Council an admission of the offense that shall
296 cause the said Council to immediately decide.
297
298 6.2.3 In case a concerned member desires to personally defend himself/herself
299 or by counsel before a Hearing Committee, the National Council shall
300 create said committee for that purpose to be composed by three (3)
301 National Council members, and the Chairman of the Committee on
302 Membership.
303
304 6.2.4 After due hearing and process, the Hearing Committee shall submit its
305 report and recommendation to the National Council, who, by two-thirds
306 (2/3) vote of all the members shall decide whether to acquit, expel or
307 suspend the concerned member.
308
309 6.2.5 In case of expulsion or suspension, the concerned Regional Council via
310 its Secretary or the concerned Provincial Chapter President shall serve a
311 formal Notice of Expulsion or Suspension to the member concerned
312 either in personal by mail, or by publication.
313
314
3157. Procedures for the Reinstatement of a Member
316
3177.1 A member who voluntarily resigned from the SFFI may be re-admitted upon re-
318application and after approval by a majority vote of all members of the National
319Council. A re-admission fee equivalent to 200% of the existing membership fee must
320be paid by the concerned applicant in addition to application fees without prejudice to
321the collection of any or all arrears that may have been incurred prior to the resignation.
322
3237.2 A member who was suspended for non-payment of dues may be re-admitted
324upon settlement of all fees and dues in arrears within 90 days upon suspension. After
325which, said member shall be deemed expelled.
326
3277.3 A member who was expelled for reasons of unethical conduct or conduct
328unbecoming may be re-admitted to the SFFI only when cleared of whatever legal
329charges and all members of the National Council unanimously approved the re-
330instatement.
331
332
333 ARTICLE 3
334 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
335
336
3371. Annual Meeting
338
3391.1 The annual meeting of the General Assembly shall be known as the National
340Convention, which shall be held in the month of October at a specific date determined
341by the National Council and place in the Philippines decided upon in the previous
342General Assembly.
343
3441.2 The presence of at least thirty percent (30%) of the total number of members in
345good standing of all chapters shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of the General
346Assembly shall constitute as a valid act of the Society.
347
3481.3 The National President shall render his/her annual report to the members
349regarding the activities of the Society. The National Treasurer shall also report on the
350status of finances of the Society.
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352
3532. Order of Business
354
3552.1 The order of business of the annual meeting of members shall be as follows:
356 2.1.1 Call to order
357 2.1.2 Proof of the presence of a quorum
358 2.1.3 Approval of the agenda
359 2.1.4 Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting
360 2.1.5 Matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting
361 2.1.6 Report of the President
362 2.1.7 Ratification of the official acts of the Provincial Chapters
363 2.1.8 New business
364 2.1.9 Other Matters
365 2.1.10 Adjournment
366
3672.2 The order of business may be changed by majority vote of the members present
368in such meeting.
369
370
3713. Quorum
372
3733.1 Unless otherwise stated in these by-laws, the presence of a simple majority of
374the regular members in good standing either by personal attendance or by proxy shall
375constitute a quorum, and a majority of such quorum may decide any question at the
376meeting except those matters where the Corporation Code requires the affirmative vote
377of a greater proportion of the number of members.
378
379
3804. Voting
381
3824.1 At every meeting of the members, each regular member in good standing shall
383be entitled to vote in person or by proxy. Voting may be done either in secret ballot or
384in viva voce.
385
3864.2 Unless otherwise provided herein, a majority vote of regular members in good
387standing is sufficient in any decision-making.
388
3894.3 A proxy shall be in writing signed by the member himself or his attorney in-fact
390and filed with the Secretary of each Provincial Chapter at least two days before the
391scheduled meeting.
392
3934.4 Any regular member in good standing may be designated by another member or
394a number in good standing to act or serve as a proxy.
395
396
397 ARTICLE 4
398 THE PROVINCIAL/LOCAL CHAPTERS
399
400
4011. Composition
402
4031.1 The Provincial/Local Chapter is composed of the individual members who have
404voluntarily bound and organized themselves into a chapter. The members agreed to
405abide by the Articles of Incorporation and by-laws of the Society, observe and respect
406its principles, stand for and personify the Code of Ethics of the Filipino Forester in the
407practice of their profession.
408
4091.2 The members of the Provincial/Local Chapter are foresters whose residence or
410domicile or permanent office or work or business is located within the political

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411jurisdiction of the province or community where the Chapter is situated. However, a
412non-resident member may seek affiliation to a Chapter at the member’s option and
413convenience, provided that such member can perform the functions and
414responsibilities expected of a member in good standing.
415
4161.3 The minimum number of membership in a chapter is fifteen (15) in order to be
417duly organized.
418
4191.4 Every member of SFFI shall both a member of a chapter and a member of a
420sector. At the time of registration, a Forester shall also elect to be a member of a sector
421regardless of his/her chapter affiliation.
422
423
4242. Chapter Officers
425
4262.1 The Officers of the SFFI Chapter shall be the President, the Vice-President, the
427Secretary, the Treasurer, the Auditor, and the three (3) Sector Representatives, one
428each for government service, education/academe, and private/industry practice and
429such other officers the Chapter may deem necessary to effectively administer chapter
430affairs.
431
4322.2 The Chapter Members shall directly vote the President, the Vice-President, the
433Treasurer, and the Auditor for a term of three (3) years without prejudice to re-election.
434The respective Chapter Sector Members shall directly vote their respective Sector
435Representative for a term of three (3) years without prejudice to re-election.
436
4372.3 The President shall appoint the Secretary and the Chapter Coordinator, who are
438both co-terminus with the term of the President or who will serve at the pleasure of the
439President.
440
441
4423. Duties and Responsibilities of Chapter Officers
443
4443.1 Chapter President - The Chapter President is the Chief Executive Officer of the
445Chapter and shall have the following powers and duties:
446
447 3.1.1 Exercise general supervision of the affairs of the Chapter.
448
449 3.1.2 He/she shall see to it that the by-laws as well as resolutions, directives
450 and policies issued in pursuance thereof by the National and Regional
451 Councils, officers and committees acting within their respective legal
452 authorities are complied with.
453
454 3.1.3 He/she shall preside at all meetings of the chapter as well as of the
455 officers thereof.
456
457 3.1.4 He/she shall represent his/her Chapter on all occasions and in all
458 matters where it should be represented.
459
460 The Chapter President shall be elected one year prior to his/her assumption,
461and shall be designated as President-elect.
462
463 No Member of the Chapter shall be elected President-elect until he/she has
464previously served as chapter officer in the particular chapter.
465
4663.2 Chapter Vice-President –
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4683.2.1 The Chapter Vice-President shall take the place of the President and perform
469his/her duties whenever the President shall be absent or unable to act. He/she shall
470perform such functions as may be delegated to him/her by the Chapter President.
471
4723.2.3 In the event of death, resignation, incapacity or permanent absence of the
473President, the Vice-president shall act as President for the remaining unexpired term of
474the President.
475
4763.2.3 If a Chapter has two (2) Vice-presidents, the chapter rules shall indicate the
477order of priority in assuming the office of the Chapter President in case of the latter’s
478death, resignation, incapacity or permanent absence.
479
4803.3 Chapter Secretary–
481
482 The Chapter Secretary shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:
483
484 3.3.1 Keep the minutes of all meetings of the chapter and the officers thereof.
485
486 3.3.2 He/she shall be responsible for giving all notices required to be given for
487 meetings as well as for all other matters concerning the chapter.
488
489 3.3.3 He shall prepare and submit monthly to the National Office the minutes
490 of all meetings and each other reports as may be required by the
491 National Office.
492
493 3.3.4 He/she shall perform such duties as may be assigned to him/her by the
494 Chapter President.
495
4963.4 Chapter Treasurer –
497
498 The Chapter Treasurer shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:
499
500 3.4.1 He/she shall collect all fees, dues or contributions from the chapter
501 members as are required by these by-laws and as may be authorized by
502 the National Council and/or the chapter members.
503
504 3.4.2 He/she shall remit to the National Treasurer the share of the National
505 Council and Regional Council in membership dues as well as all monies
506 and other properties properly belonging to the National Council or the
507 Regional Council.
508
509 3.4.3 He/she shall take charge of the funds, properties and accounts of the
510 chapter.
511
512 3.4.4 He/she shall render report monthly reports to the chapter members
513 regarding the disbursement of funds and their amounts under his/her
514 responsibility.
515
516e. Chapter Auditor –
517
518 The Chapter Auditor shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:
519
520 1. Examine and audit all financial transactions of the Chapter including all
521 the books, ledgers, journals, and other supporting records pertaining
522 thereto
523
524 2. Perform all duties incidental to the Office of the Auditor and such other
525 duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Regional and
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527
528
5294. Sector Representative
530
5314.1 The Sector Representatives for each chapter shall be responsible for
532ascertaining the needs and requirements of the particular sector in the Chapter.
533
5344.2 He/she shall work with the particular Regional Sector Representative for the
535particular sector in order to service the needs of the sector in the chapter.
536
537
5385. Meetings at the Chapter
539
5405.1 The SFFI Chapter shall hold regular meetings at least once a month.
541
5425.2 An SFFI Chapter may promulgate its own program of activities and shall submit
543a quarterly report of their activities including an updated list of members in good
544standing to the Secretary-General.
545
5465.3 Where the presence of a representative from the National Council may be
547desired during the meeting, the Chapter concerned shall send an invitation thereto
548ahead of the scheduled meeting of the Chapter.
549
550
5516. Uniform By-Laws
552
5536.1 Every Chapter shall strictly observe these by-laws, but the Chapter Officers may
554submit for consideration by the National Council such additional provisions as may be
555demanded by local conditions.
556
557
5587. Coordination of Chapter Activities
559
5607.1 The Regional Council shall coordinate and supervise the activities of all the
561Chapters for purposes of promoting maximum Foresters participation in the Society
562affairs, and effective administration and operation of the organization.
563
5647.2 The Chapter Coordinator shall endeavor smooth communication with Regional
565and National councils in ensuring that all communications including emails are
566received and timely responses have been made.
567
568
5698. Vacancy
570
5718.1 In case of vacancy in the Chapter Council occurs, the candidate in the
572immediately preceding election that garnered the next highest number of votes shall
573assume the position and shall serve the unexpired term of office.
574
5758.2 Where two or more candidates received the same number of votes, the Regional
576Council concerned by majority vote of its members shall decide who among the
577candidate shall fill the vacant position.
578
579
5809. Representation in National and Local Issues
581
5829.1 All SFFI Chapters shall observe the primacy of the National Council to express
583and articulate the view of the Society on national issues effecting forests and/or the
584forestry profession.
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5869.2 The SFFI Chapters may represent the Society on local issues on forest
587conservation upon request of the National Council. However, they may on their own,
588express and articulate their views on issues affecting forests and the forestry profession
589not inconsistent with the guiding principles of the Society.
590
591
59210. Committee on Election
593
59410.1 A committee on Election composed of the Chairman and two (2) members who
595shall be appointed by the Provincial or Local Chapter Presidents, as the case maybe,
596shall supervise the conduct of elections, screen votes and candidates and proclaim the
597duly elected officers of the Provincial or Local Chapters.
598
59910.2 Any ruling of the committee may be appealed to the incumbent Provincial or
600Local Chapter’s Officers.
601
602
60311. Rules and Procedures on Election
604
60511.1 The following rules and procedures shall be followed in the election of officers of
606the Provincial or Local Chapters of the Society:
607
608 11.1.1 A member is qualified to be nominated or voted upon as candidate
609 provided he is a regular member and shall have been member in good
610 standing prior to the election.
611
612 11.1.2 Election shall be conducted either by secret ballot or viva voce.
613
614
615 ARTICLE 5
616 THE REGIONAL/SECTORIAL COUNCIL
617
618
6191. Composition and Functions
620
6211.1 The Regional Council shall consist of the component provincial or local chapters
622within the political territorial jurisdiction of the region. It is composed of all
623Provincial/Local Chapter Presidents and three (3) Regional Sector Presidents,
624representing the government service, the education/academe, and private
625practice/forest industry.
626
6271.2 The Provincial/Local Chapter President and the three (3) Sector Presidents,
628forming the Regional Council, shall elect from among them their President, Vice-
629President, and a Treasurer by a majority vote.
630
6311.3 The Regional Council Presidents shall automatically be members to the National
632Council and shall represent their respective Regional Council.
633
6341.4 The members of the Regional Council shall have a term of three (3) years.
635
6361.5 The Regional Council shall provide coordination and guidance to the
637chapters/sectors relating to administrative and sector concerns.
638
6391.6 The Regional Council shall be responsible in organizing regional/sectoral
640conferences and other activities to strengthen the relationship among its members in
641the particular region and attain the objectives of the Society.
642
643
6442. Office

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645
6462.1 The Regional Council shall hold Office in the city or province with the greatest
647number of SFFI members, unless otherwise agreed upon by the council members.
648
649
6503. Duties and Functions of Officers
651
6523.1 The Regional Council shall appoint their Regional Secretary, Regional Treasurer,
653and a Regional Coordinator, provided the appointees shall come from among the
654members of the particular region.
655
6563.2 The Regional Secretary shall perform those duties delegated by the Regional
657Council President. He/she shall be responsible for the recording of the minutes of the
658meetings of the Regional Council, notification of meetings to members of the
659Region/Sector and all duties normally required of a Secretary. He/she shall prepare
660and submit monthly to the National Council a membership report and other reports,
661which may be required by the national Council from time to time.
662
6633.3 The Regional Treasurer shall be charged with the custody of funds of the
664Regional Council and their proper disbursements. He/she shall be responsible for the
665maintenance of proper books of accounts covering the financial transactions of the
666Regional Council.
667
6683.4 The Regional Coordinator shall maintain regular communication with the
669member Provincial/Local Chapters and the National Council.
670
671
6724. Meetings
673
6744.1 The Regional Council shall meet quarterly on such date and place as the
675Council may determine. No prior notice shall be required for the quarterly meetings if
676held on the standard date, time and place previously agreed by the council members.
677
6784.2 However, no subject matter requiring approval by at least the majority of the
679Council Members constituting a quorum shall be acted upon unless notice thereof is
680given to the Council Members at least one week before the day of the meeting.
681
6824.3 The Regional Council may call special regional meetings from time to time on
683matters and problems of regional/sectoral concern.
684
685
6865. Regional Sector Presidents
687
6885.1 Each region shall elect on a regional basis three (3) sector presidents,
689representing each of the three sectors, from the members representing the particular
690sector, who shall serve for a term of three (3) years.
691
6925.2 The duly elected sector president shall be a member of the Regional Council.
693
694
6956. Rules Governing Operations of Regional Council
696
6976.1 The National Council shall promulgate operational guidelines governing the
698efficient and effective functioning of the Regional Councils.
699
7006.2 Such guidelines shall apply uniformly to all Regional Councils.
701
702
703 ARTICLES 6

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50
704 THE NATIONAL COUNCIL
705
706
7071. The National Council: Its Members and Term of Office
708
7091.1 The corporate powers of the SFFI shall be exercised, its business conducted,
710and its property controlled by a governing body to be known as the National Council.
711
7121.2 The Members of the National Council are all Regional Council Presidents and
713Sectoral Presidents acting collectively.
714
7151.3 The National Council Members shall elect from among themselves a President, a
716Vice-President and an Auditor.
717
7181.4 With the concurrence of the majority of the members of the National Council,
719the elected National Council President shall then appoint, on co-terminus capacity, a
720Secretary General, a Deputy Secretary General, a Treasurer, and an Assistant
721Treasurer who, in addition to the President and Vice-President shall comprise the
722Executive Committee.
723
7241.5 The Members of the National Council shall hold office for three (3) years until
725their successors are elected and qualified.
726
727
7282. Disqualification of Members of the National Council
729
7302.1 Any member of the National Council, who during incumbency is convicted by
731final judgment by a competent court for offense punishable by imprisonment of any
732length of time shall, automatically cease to serve as member of the National Council.
733
734
7353. National Council Meeting and Quorum
736
7373.1 The National Council shall hold its regular monthly meeting at such time and
738place as the President may choose.
739
7403.2 The President as may be deemed necessary shall call special meeting of the
741National Council. In case of an emergency meeting, all National Council members shall
742be notified at least two (2) days in advance as to the date and place of such meeting
743and, in as far as practicable of the matters to be acted upon.
744
7453.3 A simple majority of the regular members of the National Council present in a
746meeting shall constitute a quorum and such quorum shall be qualified to transact
747business.
748
749
7504. Powers and Functions of the National Council
751
7524.1 The National Council shall exercise the following powers and functions:
753
754 4.1.1 Appoint or designate other officers as well as employees of the Society.
755
756 4.1.2 Promulgate and implement policies and regulations of the Society.
757
758 4.1.3 Administer direct and control by itself or through the Executive
759 Committee, the affairs of the Society as well as serve as custodian of all
760 its assets and properties.
761
762 4.1.4 Approve petitions for the establishment of Chapters of the Society.

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54
763
764 4.1.5 Appoint Chairpersons and membership of Regular Working Committees
765 or create special committees as may be deemed necessary and appoint
766 members thereof.
767
768 4.1.6 Institute disciplinary actions against erring members, including the
769 termination and/or reinstatement of their membership in the Society.
770
771 4.1.7 Effect the establishment and management of a National Council bank
772 account/s to effective facilitate the flow of funds of the Society to and
773 from Provincial/Local Chapters, Regional Councils, members, partners
774 and/or donors.
775
776 4.1.8 Perform such other duties and responsibilities as provided for in the
777 Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws of the Society and those that
778 may be delegated by the general membership
779
780
7815. Order of Business
782
7835.1 The order of business in any meeting of the National Council shall be as follows:
784 5.1.1 Call to order and ascertainment of a quorum
785 5.1.2 Approval of the agenda
786 5.1.3 Approval of minutes of the previous meeting
787 5.1.4 Matters arising from the minutes of previous meeting;
788 5.1.5 Discussion of business at hand;
789 5.1.6 Other matters
790 5.1.7 Adjournment
791
792
7936. Vacancy
794
7956.1 In case a vacancy occurs in the National Council for whatever reason, the
796Regional Chapter Vice-President represented by such vacancy shall serve the unexpired
797term of office of such vacancy.
798
799
8007. Executive Committee
801
8027.1 Subject at all times to the direction and control of the National Council, the
803Executive Committee shall have and may exercise the power to act during the intervals
804between the meetings of the National Council, on all matters relating to the
805management of the affairs and business of SFFI as are within the competence of the
806National Council, except on matters specifically restricted under the Corporation Code
807of the Philippines.
808
8097.2 The presence of the majority including the President or Acting President shall
810constitute a quorum in all meetings of the Executive Committee.
811
8127.3 All acts of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the National Council at
813its immediately succeeding meeting for National Council member’s information and for
814their concurrence as may be required.
815
816
8178. Meeting of the Executive Committee
818
8198.1 The Executive Committee shall meet at least once a month or as often as
820advisable. Meeting shall substantially follow the same order of business laid down in
821Article IV, Sec. 18, hereof, where appropriate.

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58
822
8238.2 A majority number of the Executive Committee members present shall
824constitute a quorum and the majority vote of such quorum shall be sufficient to
825conduct business.
826
8278.2 The Executive Committee shall meet upon the call of the Chairman or by the
828written petition of the majority of its members. It may also act on any issue or any
829matter by written resolution of majority of its members in a referendum.
830
8318.4 The Secretary-General in a book provided for the purpose shall keep the
832minutes of all meetings of the Executive Committee.
833
834
8359. Board of Advisers
836
8379.1 The past Presidents of the Society shall automatically compose the Board of
838Advisers.
839
8409.2 The Board of Advisers shall assist the National Council in formulating the
841position of the Society on national issues affecting forest policy and management
842and/or the forestry profession; in strengthening the membership of the Society; in
843upholding ethical standards of the forestry profession; in prescribing admission criteria
844and rites for fellows; and in any of the projects/activities of the Society.
845
8469.3 The Members of the Board of Advisers shall have no fixed term of office; however
847any member may be removed from the office by the National Council at any time for
848cause or may voluntarily resign from office if such member personally desires it.
849
850
85110. National Council Committees
852
85310.1 Regular Committees - The Society shall have the following Regular Working
854Committees: Ways and Means, Ethical Standards, Policy and Legislation, Membership
855Development and Chapter Affair, Education and Accreditation, Publicity and Media
856Relations, Awards and Recognition, and Special Projects.
857
85810.2 Each committee shall be composed of a Chairperson and such other members
859as may be necessary to effectively carry outs its functions at the discretion of the
860National Council.
861
86210.3 The President, upon prior approval of the National Council shall appoint the
863Chairperson and Members of the Committees.
864
86510.4 The functions of the Regular Working Committees are following:
866
867 a) Ways and means Committee – This Committee shall oversee the
868 financial operation of the Society, plan, recommend, and implement
869 income generating projects, as well as provide financial advice to the
870 President or the National Council as may be requested.
871
872 b) Ethical Standards Committee – This Committee shall formulate a Code
873 of Ethics governing the conduct of members of the Society of approval of
874 the National Council and ratification of the general membership prepare
875 and implement plans and programs to enhance the professional ethics of
876 Filipino Forestry, and act as the Society’s watchdog on the conduct of its
877 members.
878
879 c) Policy and Legislation Committee – This Committee shall be
880 responsible for the study and formulation of policies and legislation

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881 effecting the forestry profession in particular and the forest resources in
882 general. It shall prepare the Society’s position paper and/or proposals on
883 policy and legislation issues confronting the forestry sector.
884
885 d) Membership Development and Chapter Affairs Committee – The
886 Membership Development and Chapter Affairs Committee shall prepare
887 and implement plans and programs to expand the membership of the
888 Society and initiate, guide, and oversee the formation of Regional and
889 Provincial/Local Chapters and the conduct of their affairs.
890
891 e) Education and Accreditation Committee – The Education and
892 Accreditation Committee shall plan, recommend, and implement a
893 continuing professional education program for the members of the
894 Society.
895
896 f) Publicity and Media Relations Committee – the Publicity and Media
897 Relations Committee shall be responsible for publishing the Society’s
898 newsletter, for maintaining contact or liaison with the media, and for
899 projecting or publicizing the various programs and activities of the
900 Society in the media.
901
902 g) Awards and Recognition Committee – The Awards and Recognition
903 Committee shall design implement a system a giving awards and
904 recognition to deserving members of the Society, or to individuals, group
905 or associations who have given district or outstanding contributions of
906 the strengthening of the Society, the enhancement of the profession, or
907 the advancement of the cause of forest conservation.
908
909 h) Special Project Committee – The Special Project Committee shall plan
910 and implement programs, project, and activities of a special nature not
911 within the scope of work of the other committees.
912
91310.5. Ad-hoc Committee – the National Council may create other committee/s to
914perform temporary and/or special functions or undertake specific projects or activities.
915Such committee shall be co-terminus with the particular project, activity, or
916undertaking for which it was created.
917
918
919 ARTICLE 7
920 NATIONAL OFFICERS
921
922
9231. National Officers
924
9251.1 The National Officers of the Society shall be the President, the Vice–President,
926the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, the Treasurer, the Assistant
927Treasurer, and the Auditor.
928
9291.2 The President, the Vice-President, and the Auditor shall be elected by the
930members of the National Council from among them in a meeting convened immediately
931after their proclamation as duly constituted members of the National Council.
932
9331.3 The National Council shall appoint the Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary
934General, the Treasurer and the Assistant from among the regular members-in-good
935standing (MIGS).
936
937
9382. Term of Office of National Officers
939

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66
9402.1 The National Officers shall serve for a term of three (3) years that shall
941commence upon confirmation of their election or appointment, as the case may be.
942
9432.2 In case of incapacity, death, resignation or termination of membership of the
944President or any of its Officers, the National Council shall confirm the occupation of the
945concerned seat in accordance to the succession provisions of these by-laws.
946
947
9483. Compensation of National Officers
949
9503.1 The President and the Vice-President shall not receive any compensation or
951emolument from the Society.
952
9533.2 The Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary General, the Treasurer, the
954Assistant Treasurer and the Auditor shall receive compensation for their service as may
955be prescribed and approved by the National Council, subject to available funds and the
956usual accounting and auditing rules of the Society.
957
9583.3 Notwithstanding, any member of the National Council, Officer or representative
959of the Society as well as any President of Chapters may be reimbursed of actual
960expenses for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses in attending meetings
961or transacting business when priory authorized in writing by the National Council or
962the President.
963
964
965 ARTICLE 8
966 POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF OFFICERS
967
968
9691. President
970
9711.1 The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Society and serve as
972Chairperson of the National Council and Executive Committee. The President shall
973preside in all meetings of the Society, the National Council, and Executive Committee.
974
9751.2 Upon prior approval and/or concurrence of the National Council, the President
976shall appoint and fix the compensation of employees of the Society. The President shall
977perform all other duties incident to the office as well as that may be delegated by the
978National Council.
979
980
9812. Vice-President
982
9832.1 The Vice-President shall assist the President in the performance of presidential
984duties.
985
9862.2 The Vice-President shall perform such other duties and responsibilities as the
987National Council and/or the President may, from time to time, assign or delegate to the
988office.
989
9902.3 The Vice-President shall perform such other duties of the President in case of
991death or permanent incapacity until a successor is elected and duly qualified.
992
993
9943. Secretary-General
995
9963.1 The Secretary-General shall give all the notices required by these By-Laws and
997shall keep the minutes of annual or special meetings of members, of the meetings of

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998the National Council and Executive Committee, and all meetings of all Regular Working
999Committees in a book kept for the purpose.
1000
10013.2 He/she shall have custody for the correspondence files and all other papers of
1002the Society as well as maintain the members register.
1003
10043.3 He/she shall also perform such other duties and work as the National Council
1005may from time to time assign to him/her.
1006
1007
10084. Deputy Secretary-General
1009
10104.1 The Deputy Secretary-General shall assist the Secretary-General in performing
1011his/her functions.
1012
10134.2 He/she shall also perform such other duties and work as the National Council
1014may from time to time assign to him/her.
1015
1016
10175. Treasurer
1018
10195.1 The Treasurer shall have charge of the funds, receipts and disbursement of the
1020Society.
1021
10225.2 He/she shall keep all moneys and other valuables of the Society in such bank
1023or banks as the National Council may designate.
1024
10255.3 He/she shall keep and have charge of the books of account of the Society and
1026shall be open to scrutiny by any member of the National Council wherever required, an
1027account of financial condition of the Society and off all transactions made by him/her
1028as Treasurer.
1029
10305.4 He/she shall also perform such other duties and functions as may be assigned
1031to him/her from time to time by the National Council.
1032
10335.5 He/she shall post a bond in such amount as may be fixed by the National
1034Council.
1035
1036
10376. Assistant Treasurer
1038
10396.1 The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in performing his/her
1040functions.
1041
10426.2 He/she shall also perform such other duties and work as the National Council
1043may from time to time assign to him/her.
1044
1045
10467. Auditor
1047
10487.1 The Auditor shall examine the financial records and audit the fund of the
1049Society at least on a semester basis and perform such other functions as may be
1050provided by the National Council.
1051
1052
1053 ARTICLE 9
1054 FUNDS
1055
1056

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74
10571. Source of Funds
1058
10591. The Funds of the Society shall come from membership fees and annual dues,
1060special assessments, and from contributions, donations, bequests, endowment and
1061gifts from its members or other sources. Interest income derived from investments of
1062the Society shall form part of the funds of the Society and shall be used exclusively for
1063its purpose.
1064
10651.2 The Society shall levy a one-time membership fee and annual dues as well as
1066special assessment as may be prescribed from time to time by the National Council and
1067upon ratification of the general membership.
1068
10691.3 Annual dues levied to members by SFFI Chapters shall be payable within fifteen
1070(15) days of the first month of the fiscal year. Said fund shall be transmitted to the
1071National Council within 15 days after the agreed deadline of payment.
1072
10731.4 The National Council, with the consent or concurrence of the general
1074membership, may provide special assessments on some or all of its members for
1075certain specified purpose. This special assessment shall be payable within the time
1076agree with the Chapters.
1077
1078
10792. Collection and Remittance of Dues
1080
10812.1 All SFFI Chapters shall collect and remit forty percent (40%) of the membership
1082fees, and all others dues, fees and income thru their duly affiliated Treasurer to the
1083Treasurer of the National Council either in the form of cash or check payable to the
1084Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc.
1085
10862.2 The sixty percent (60%) of the membership fees and all other dues collected
1087shall be retained by the SFFI Chapter concerned for its official purposes. Said fund
1088shall be deposited in a bank account approved by the Society who may, at any
1089appropriate time, may audit the same.
1090
10912.3 Expenses of Representations to the Regional Councils are chargeable against
1092Chapter funds.
1093
10942.4 All Provincial Chapters and Regional Councils shall maintain a bank account
1095approved by the National Council. All funds of the respective chapters and councils
1096shall be deposited in the approved bank account by the Society who may audit the
1097same at any appropriate time.
1098
1099
1100 ARTICLES 10
1101 FINANCES AND INSPECTION OF ACCOUNTS
1102
1103
11041. Preparation of Budget
1105
11061.1 The Budget showing estimated receipt and expenditures shall be prepared by
1107the Treasurer at the beginning of each year in consultation with the Ways and Means
1108Committee.
1109
11101.2 The budget shall be approved and may be amended at any time by the National
1111Council. Expenditures for any purpose in excess of the amount allotted in the budget
1112or for purposes not provided for in the budget shall require special authorization of the
1113National Council.
1114

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78
11151.3 Minor transfer from one account or appropriation to another may be made
1116without the authorization of the National Council.
1117
1118
11192. Deposit and Investment of Funds
1120
11212.1 Except those needed for current expenses, the funds of the Society shall be
1122deposited in a reputable bank or invested in national securities or in any investment as
1123may be authorized by the National Council.
1124
11252.2 However, the funds of the Society shall not be invested in any business where
1126any National Council Member has a direct or indirect interest in.
1127
1128
11293. Disbursements and Submission of Financial Reports
1130
11313.1 All bills against the Society shall be approved by the President or by a
1132committee authorized to incur expenses before the Treasurer pays them.
1133
11343.2 Withdrawal from the funds of Society, whether by check or any other
1135instrument, shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the President or by
1136such other signatory as may be designated by the National Council.
1137
11383.3 Regional Councils shall submit quarterly financial reports to the National
1139Council. The financial report shall include the following, a copy of the book of accounts
1140that summarizes the receipts issued. The Regional/Provincial Financial Reports will
1141form part of the Audited Financial Report being prepared by the National Council to be
1142submitted to the BIR, SEC and PRC.
1143
1144
11454. Revenues Disposition
1146
11474.1 No agreement, contract or obligation involving money or payment of credit or
1148liability of the Society shall be made without the approval of the National Council.
1149
1150
11515. Scrutiny of Accounts
1152
11535.1 Scrutiny of accounts by any National Council Member may be made at any time
1154during business hours in the office of the Society, and such scrutiny may embrace all
1155books, records, and vouchers of the Society. Scrutiny of books, accounts, and records
1156of the Society by any member shall be limited during office hours.
1157
11585.2 The books of the Treasurer shall be examined by the Auditor at the close of each
1159fiscal year and at mid-year; or at any time may be deemed necessary by the National
1160Council.
1161
1162
11636. Treasurer’s Bond
1164
11656.1 The Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer shall be bonded in suitable amount
1166as may be decided by the National Council at the Society’s expenses.
1167
1168
11697. Prohibition against Sharing in Society’s Earnings
1170
11717.1 No member, officer, or employee, or person connected with the Society, or any
1172other private individual shall receive at any time, any of the net earnings or pecuniary
1173profit from the operations of the Society; Provided, that this shall not prevent the

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82
1174payment of any such person of such reasonable compensation for services rendered to
1175or for the Society as fixed by the National Council; provided further, that no such
1176person or persons shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate
1177assets upon such dissolution of the Society.
1178
11797.2 All members of the Society shall be deemed to have expressly consented and
1180agreed that upon such dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Society, whether
1181voluntary or involuntary the assets of the Society, after paying its liabilities shall be
1182conveyed and transferred to any non-stock and non-profit corporation or foundation
1183whose purpose or purposes are dedicated to the advancement of forestry in the
1184Philippines or are similar to the objectives of the Society.
1185
1186
11878. Fiscal Year
1188
11898.1 The fiscal year of the Society shall start on January 1 and end on December 31
1190of each year.
1191
1192
1193 ARTICLE 11
1194 EFFECTIVITY
1195
119611.1 The amended By-Laws shall take effect immediately upon its ratification by a
1197majority of the vote cast in a plebiscite called for the purpose and shall supersede the
1198existing By-Laws.
1199
1200
1201 DONE AND ADOPTED on this 19th day of October 2017 in the City of Davao,
1202Philippines as affirmed by the undersigned members of the National Council.

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