No more cutting of coco trees -- PCA
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has suspended the cutting of coconut trees in the country starting March 10, 2008 in its effort to stop the increasing incidence of illegal cutting.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 02-2008 issued by PCA Administrator Oscar Garin last February 12, 2008, all issuances of Permits to Cut Coconut Trees (PCCTs) and Transport/Transhipment Clearances (TTCs) are ordered suspended nationwide except on limited exceptions.
The limited exceptions include: the cutting of typhoon-damaged coconut trees in declared typhoon calamity areas; trees which pose a threat and danger to life, limb and property; for areas duly authorized for conversion; and for personal use of the farmer for family housing or animal shed which, should not exceed five trees.
"We will implement this moratorium to once and for all arrest the ever increasing and unabated incidence of illegal cutting," declared Garin in a DA press report.
Garin also underscored the need for stricter regulations to stop the illicit practices of unscrupulous coconut lumber traders in circumventing Republic Act 8048 or the law on illegal coconut tree cutting.
The order likewise restricts the transportation of coconut lumber within the provincial territorial limits only, and with the use of only a four-wheeler vehicle such as jeepney, pick-up or flatbed elf and the likes, with a maximum load capacity of two thousand board feet of coconut lumber approximately from 20 coconut trees.
Garin warned that violators of Republic Act 8048 and the PCA rules and regulations carry the stiff punishment of one to six years of imprisonment, or a fine of P50,000 to P500,000 or both in the discretion of the court.
He also enjoined the public to report to the nearest PCA office sightings of coco lumber loaded on more than four wheelers.
"The conservation of existing coconut trees is paramount to our objective of increasing coconut production to meet the growing demand for coconut products," Garin said. (PIA)