Strengthening forest protection workshop held
A consultative workshop for the preparation of the Provincial Procedural Manual of Forestry Operations in the province of Iloilo was conducted by PENRO Iloilo at Bulabog Putian Natural Park recently. The workshop was aimed to strengthen and harmonize forestry rules, regulations, plans and programs that would guide manual users in this field of endeavor.
PENR Officer Valentin P. Talabero explained that the workshop is an initiative, which could unify systematically the actions/activities of the Forestry Sector in accordance with the prevailing Environment and Forestry laws, rules and regulations. This is very important for investors and businessmen who wanted to invest in environmental livelihood such as development of eco-tourist areas, lumber production and agricultural products such as meat and poultry. Real estate developers could also use this as basis for future consideration on area development.
Previous to this activity, the same group convened at the PENR Office, Iloilo City to discuss inconsistencies in the forestry operations and the various issues and concerns related to the implementation of environmental laws. One of the considerations in the drafting of the Manual was the General Plan of Action (GPOA) of the DENR.
FMS Specialist Tony Boy Latoza suggested that it was important f or the PENRO to install communication facilities in strategic routes of illegal forest products. The choke points were also mapped out and the Police Environment Desk officer (PEDO) for every municipality shall be fully utilized.
Regional Executive Director Julian D. Amador said that this is a good initiative of PENRO Talabero and if this will be successful, the draft manual can be presented to all PENROs for refinement.
(PENRO PIO)