It has the following functions:

Recommends policies and/or programs for the effective protection, development, occupancy, management and conservation of forest lands, watersheds, including grazing and mangrove areas, reforestation and rehabilitation of critically denuded/degraded forest reservations, improvement of water resource use and development, ancestral lands, wilderness areas and other natural reserves, development of forest plantations, including rattan, bamboo and other valuable non-timber forest resources, rationalization of the wood-based industries, regulation of utilization and exploitation of forest resources including wildlife, to ensure continued supply of forest goods and services;
 

Advises the Regional Offices in the implementation of the above policies and/or programs;
 

Develops plans, programs, operating standards and administrative measures to promote the Bureau's objectives and functions;
 

Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of forestry and watershed development projects to ensure efficiency and effectiveness;
 

Undertakes studies on the economics of forest-based industries, including the supply and demand trends on the local, national and international levels, identifying investment problems and opportunities in various areas.