Best Forestry Schools in the Philippines

Forests are a source of resources, about as much a home for numerous fauna and flora. Thus, in a world where pollution and environment degradation are rampant, the conservation and management of forests is an important task. The development and improvement of processes involved in conserving and managing forests is the primary job of a forester.

Professional Foresters Licensure Exam

In the Philippines, licensed and registered Foresters are called to perform the following tasks, among others:

Supervise and protect numerous plant and animal life in the forest;
Develop innovations in utilizing forest resources;
Conceptualize projects for the improvement, development, preservation, and maintenance of forests.

The Foresters’ Licensure Examination is conducted once every year, with the two previous exams occurring in September.

If the job piques your interest and you are considering to be a Forester soon, take note that the following topics are some of the ones included in the Foresters’ Licensure Examination:

Forest Dendrology
Forest Entomology
Utilizing Forest Products
Sustainability and Development
Forest Biometry, Mensuration and Inventory

To pass the Professional Foresters’ Board Exam, the examinee must obtain a passing mark of at least 75% in the exam.

Scope and Coverage of the Foresters’ Licensure Exam

FOREST ECOSYSTEM (20%)
1. Forest Botany
  1. Cellular Structure
  2. Vegetative and Reproductive Characteristics of Plants
  3. Morphology and Anatomy of Plants
2. Dendrology
  1. Classification of Forest Plants
  2. Plant Geography
  3. Gross Morphology
  4. Key to Identification
  5. Nomenclature
3. Forest Ecology
  1. Basic Ecological Principles
  2. Forest and Other Ecosystems
  3. Hydrologic Cycle
  3.1 Evapotranspiration
  3.2 Precipitation
  3.3 etc.
  4. Ground Water
  5. Discharge of rivers/streams
  6. Forest influences (climate, soil, man, etc.)
4. Forest Soils
  1. Soil Formation (parent material, climate, topography, living organism, time)
  2. Soil Profile/Horizons
  3. Soil Classification (categories, soil orders)
  4. Soil Properties, (biological, physical, chemical)
  5. Soil Moisture Content
  6. Soil and Water Conservation
5. Three Physiology
  1. Tree Growth and Processes (photosynthesis, respiration, translocation)
  2. Primary and Secondary growth
  3. Shoot and Crown Development (shoot growth, crown shape/development, patterns of
  growth)
  4. Flowering, Fruiting and seed production
  5. Tree Nutrition
6. Forest Entomology
  1. Classification of Insects
  2. Beneficial and Harmful Insects
  3. Insect Infestation
  4. Preventive and Control Measure
  4.1 Biological
  4.2 Physical
  4.3 Mechanical
  4.4 Chemical
7. Forest Pathology
  1. Diseases in Plants (signs, symptoms, classification)
  2. Parasitism (infection, resistance susceptibility, pathogenicity, etc.)
  3. Pathogenesis/disease development (influence of environment on parasites, host etc.)
  4. Pathogens (bacteria, virus, fungi, etc.)
  5. Principles and Methods of Control
8. Forest Biodiversity
  1. Wildlife (Flora and Fauna)
  2. Classes of Wildlife
  3. Wildlife Food and Feeding Habits
  4. Economically important species
  5. Rare/endangered species
  6. Wildlife Laws, Rules and Regulations
9. Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement
  1. Genetic Concepts and Principles
  2. Basic Concepts of Tree Improvement
  3. Methods of Tree Improvement
  4. Practical Applications and Returns
FOREST UTILIZATION ENGINEERING (20%)
1. Wood Structure and Identification
  1. Basic Principles and concepts of the identification of commercial and lesser-used
  Philippine woods.
  2. Anatomical properties of wood
2. Wood Physics and Mechanics
  1. Physical properties of wood
  2. Theories and practice of wood physics
  3. Strength of wood materials on various sectoral exposures
  4. Strength of wood materials on various types of stresses
3. Wood Seasoning and Preservation
  1. Wood Chemistry
  1.1 Basic principles and concept of wood chemistry
  1.2 Wood chemistry and its effects to the machining properties, structural strengths
  and resistance to various degrees of stresses and temperature
  1.3 Economics of chemical wood extracts
  2. Wood Seasoning
  2.1 Theories and practice of wood seasoning
  2.2 Various methods of seasoning
  2.3 Control of moisture content
  2.4 Effect of moisture on dimensional changes
  2.5 Economic aspect of wood seasoning
  3. Wood Preservation
  3.1 Principles and concept of wood preservation
  3.2 Factors affecting destruction and decay of wood
  3.3 Methods of preservation and control
  3.4 Fire proofing
  3.5 Penetrability of various species to chemical preservation
  3.6 Economic aspect of wood treatment
4. Forest Products Utilization
  1. General Lumbering and Wood Processing
  1.1 Basic Principles and concepts of lumbering
  1.2 Purpose and elements of lumbering
  1.3 Forest products processing
  1.3.1 Sawmilling Techniques
  1.3.2 Processing of forest products residues
  1.4 Recovery and Productivity of Forest Products
  2. Veneer and Plywood
  3. Pulp and Paper
  4. Wood Composite
  5. Species suitability for various products
  6. Economic aspects of Forest Products Utilization
5. Utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products
  1. Principles in processing utilization of non-timber forest products
  1.1 Rattan
  1.2 Bamboo
  1.3 Fibers substitutes
  1.4 Others (Vines, etc.)
  2. Economics and Valuation Aspects of Non-timber Forest Products
FOREST GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL FORESTRY (25%)
1. Forest History, Policy and Administration
  1. History of Forestry in the Philippines
  2. Constitutional Provisions
  3. Revised Forestry Code
  4. Forestry Legislation
  5. Presidential Proclamations
  5.1 Decrees
  5.2 LOIs
  5.3 DAOs
  5.4 Executive Orders
2. Social Forestry and Extension
  1. Goals, Basic Elements and Principles
  2. Definition of Terms
  3. Importance of Forest Management and Protection
  4. Community Forestry Programs
  5. Extension, Principles and Strategies
  6. Agroforestry
3. Forest Protection
  1. Forest Rehabilitation/Restoration of Forestlands
  2. Conservation/Preservation of Wilderness Area
  3. Law Enforcement
  4. Problems/Strategies
  5. Forest Degradation and Causes
4. Environment and Sustainable Development
  1. Concept of Sustainable Development
  2. Environmental Problems
  3. Environmental Problem Analysis
  4. Designing of Environmental Solutions and Actions
5. Professional Ethics and Values
FOREST PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT (35%)
1. Forest Biometry, Mensuration and Inventory
  1. Basic statistical concepts
  2. Sampling Techniques
  3. Methods and Applications of Timber Inventory Methods
  4. Definition of Terms
  5. Volume Estimates
  6. Site Quality Estimation
  7. Growing Stocks
  8. Stand Density
  9. Remote Sensing, GIS, aerial photo-interpretation
2. Forest Management
  1. History and Foundation
  2. Principles and Concepts
  3. Development, Goals and Objectives
  4. Definition of Terms
  5. Allowable cut determination
  6. Cut Allocation and Scheduling
  7. Forest Operation Planning
  8. Integrated Forest Management Plan
  9. Regulation of Forest Stands
  10. Forest Management Planning
  11. Problem Solving
3. Forest Economics and Finance
  1. Principles and Concepts
  2. Simple and Compound Interest
  3. Present Value of Cash Flow
  4. Criteria for Financial Investment Analysis
  4.1 NPV
  4.2 IRR
  4.3 B/C/Ratio
  4.4 Payback period
  5. Market Structure
  5.1 Production, Cost and Supply
  5.2 Shadow market prices
  5.3 Stumpage Valuation
  5.4 Demand and Supply Analysis
  5.5 Forest/Land rent
  5.6 Forest Rotation
  5.7 Problem solving
4. Range Management
  1. Definition of Terms
  2. Factors Affecting the Grassland Ecosystem
  3. Nutrient Cycling in Grassland
  4. Ecology in Grassland
  5. Types of Grassland
  6. Management and Protection of Grassland
  7. Succession in Rangelands
  8. Problem Solving
  8.1 Determination of Animal Unit
  8.2 Grazing Capacity
  8.3 Grazeable areas
5. Multiple Use Forestry
  1. Principles and Concepts
  2. Definition of Terms
  3. Ecosystems Approaches
  4. Sustainable Yield
  5. Primary and Secondary Uses
  6. Application and Problems
  7. Watershed Management
  8. Harmonization of Objectives
6. Silvicultural Methods/Systems
  1. Objectives
  2. Regeneration methods
  2.1 Purpose
  2.2 Types and Applications
  2.3 Advantages and Disadvantages
  3. Intermediate Treatments Management and Protection
  3.1 Objectives
  3.2 Methods and types
  3.3 Effects on Stand Growth and Yield
  4. Forest Harvesting
  4.1 Felling and Bucking
  4.2 Tools and Devices
  4.3 Minor Log Transport
  4.4 Major Log Transport
  5. Silvicultural Practices
  5.1 Philippine Selective Logging
  5.2 Clear cutting
  5.3 Seed tree and its variation
  5.4 Shelterwood
  5.5 Coppice
7. Forest Nursery
  1. Propagating Structures
  2. Propagating Media
  3. Propagating Techniques
  4. Nursery Management
8. Forest Plantation
  1. Site preparation and Establishment
  2. Seedling Preparation
  3. Intermediate Treatments (clearing, weeding, etc.)
  4. Plantation Management

Which schools produce the highest number of Professional Foresters every year? We looked at previous Foresters’ Licensure Examination results to find out the schools with the highest Professional Foresters’ Board Exam passing rates. Hope you find this information useful!

Best Forestry Schools in the Philippines

Category 1: Forestry Schools with more than 100 examinees

RANK	SCHOOL	CITY / LOCATION	PASSING RATE	NUMBER OF PASSERS	TOTAL NUMBER OF TAKERS
1	Saint Peter's College - Iligan City	Iligan City	96%	32	33
1	Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa	Lipa City	96%	25	26
2	St. Michael's College of Iligan City	Iligan City	94%	33	35
3	Father Saturnino Urios University	Butuan City	93%	41	44
4	Notre Dame of Marbel University	Koronadal City	91%	21	23
5	Holy Child College of Butuan	Butuan City	90%	46	51
6	Saint Mary's University	Bayombong	88%	67	76
7	Cagayan State University - Piat Campus	Piat	87%	51	58
8	Angeles University Foundation	Angeles City	83%	80	96
8	Saint Louis College - City of San Fernando	San Fernando City	83%	26	31
9	University of Pangasinan PHINMA Education Network	Dagupan City	82%	28	34
9	Saint Michael College of Caraga	Nasipit	82%	19	23
10	St. Mary's College of Tagum	Tagum City	81%	31	38
11	La Salle University Ozamiz	Ozamiz City	80%	17	21
12	St. Thomas More School of Law and Business	Tagum City	79%	19	24
13	Emilio Aguinaldo College in Manila	Manila	78%	63	80
14	Cor Jesu College	Digos City	76%	73	96
14	Cagayan State University - Sanchez Mira Campus	Sanchez Mira	76%	59	77
14	Criminal Justice College	Muntinlupa City	76%	26	34
15	Sumulong College of Arts and Sciences	Antipolo City	75%	39	52
16	Batangas State University - Nasugbu	Nasugbu	74%	46	62
16	Central Luzon College of Science and Technology	Olongapo City	74%	20	27
17	Laguna State Polytechnic University - San Pablo Campus	San Pablo City	73%	58	79
17	Gingoog City Junior College	Gingoog City	73%	41	56
17	Asia Pacific College of Advanced Studies	Balanga City	73%	22	30
17	College of Subic Montessori	Olongapo City	73%	19	26
17	Lanao School of Science and Technology	Maranding	73%	11	15
18	San Sebastian College - Recoletos de Cavite	Cavite City	72%	29	40
19	Jose Rizal Memorial State University - Siocon	Siocon	71%	33	46
20	Cagayan State University - Aparri Campus	Aparri	70%	63	90
20	Misamis University - Oroquieta City	Oroquieta City	70%	48	68
20	Westmead International School	Batangas City	70%	14	20
21	Baguio Central University	Baguio City	69%	68	98
22	Isabela State University - Angadanan Campus	Angadanan	68%	49	72
22	Filamer Christian University	Roxas City	68%	20	29
23	Lyceum Northwestern University	Dagupan City	67%	23	34
24	John Paul College	Roxas	66%	38	57
24	Saint Louis College of Bulanao	Tabuk City	66%	38	57
24	Meycauayan College	Meycauayan City	66%	18	27
25	Foundation University	Dumaguete City	65%	30	46
26	Kalinga State University	Tabuk City	64%	52	81
26	International School of Asia and the Pacific	Peñablanca	64%	50	77
26	Siquijor State College	Larena	64%	38	59
26	Alpha Centauri Educational System	Lucena City	64%	20	31
27	Mater Dei College	Tubigon	63%	53	83
27	University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in Las Piñas	Las Piñas	63%	36	57
28	University of Nueva Caceres	Naga City	62%	34	54
28	Amando Cope College	Tabaco City	62%	25	40
29	Holy Name University	Tagbilaran City	61%	37	60
29	Systems Plus College Foundation	Angeles City	61%	21	34
30	Liceo de Cagayan University	Cagayan de Oro	60%	39	64
30	Olivarez College	Paranaque City	60%	23	38

Category 2: Forestry Schools with 100 and below examinees

RANK	SCHOOL	CITY / LOCATION	PASSING RATE	NUMBER OF PASSERS	TOTAL NUMBER OF TAKERS
1	Cavite State University - Indang Campus	Indang	96%	109	113
2	Kings Colleges of the Philippines	La Trinidad	92%	172	186
3	Tarlac State University	Tarlac City	83%	135	161
3	Data Center College of the Philippines of Laoag City	Laoag City	83%	114	137
3	Capitol University	Cagayan de Oro	83%	88	105
4	Universidad de Manila	Manila	82%	131	158
5	Southern Leyte State University Sogod	Sogod	79%	143	179
6	Holy Angel University	Angeles City	75%	89	118
7	Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina	Marikina City	74%	75	101
8	Innovative College of Science and Information Technology	Bongabong	73%	96	130
8	De La Salle University Dasmariñas	Dasmariñas City	73%	76	103
9	Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes	Virac	71%	92	128
10	Misamis University	Ozamiz City	70%	72	102
11	Isabela State University	Echague	67%	121	179
11	Ifugao State University - Potia Campus	Potia	67%	79	117
12	Quirino State College	Diffun	66%	68	102
13	Veritas College of Irosin	Irosin	65%	74	113
14	University of Cebu - Lapu Lapu and Mandaue Campus	Mandaue City	64%	93	144
14	University of Mindanao - Digos College	Digos City	64%	72	111
15	Batangas State University	Batangas City	62%	89	142
16	Saint Joseph Institute of Technology	Butuan City	61%	107	175
17	Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation	Lucena City	60%	120	199
17	Romblon State University	Odiongan	60%	108	178
17	Southern Philippines Colleges	Cagayan de Oro	60%	106	176

Note: The tables above only rank the passing rates of First-time takers; repeaters are not included in the passing rate. All figures are based on the four (4) previous Foresters’ Licensure Examination, specifically the ones held in September during the years 2017 and 2016, August in the year 2015, and July in the year 2014.

Source: PRC Philippines (www.prc.gov.ph)

Best Forestry Schools in the Philippines

Professional Foresters Licensure Exam

Scope and Coverage of the Foresters’ Licensure Exam

Best Forestry Schools in the Philippines

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