Log ban up in Iloilo town
Logging activities in Calinog, Iloilo has now been regulated with a total log ban imposed in watershed and riverbank areas here.
"Cutting and logging" shall only be allowed for personal use and not for commercial purposes, provision in the municipal ordinance stated.
Contained in Municipal Ordinance No. 2008-04, the log ban moratorium is for a six year-period.
Sponsored by Councilor Renato Casinao, the ban was pushed amidst concerns of global warming "and unstable climatic changes due to continuous denudation of our mountains caused by illegal logging and traditional farming practice – the kaingin system."
"Whereas, continuing these malpractice will cause soil degradation, landslide and floods which will result to the destruction of our ecosystem," the Ordinance stated. "Whereas, said illegal practice will practically reduce water supply and affect even marine life."
Clear prohibition has been set in the town's entire watershed area and riverbanks downstream within the perimeter distance of 20 meters for river and 10 meters for creeks.
"Moratorium on logging shall be strictly observed on existing forested public lands particularly on watershed areas," the Ordinance continued. "Cutting/logging of one tree for personal use shall be replenished by planting ten (10) seedlings or a ration of 1:10."
Barangay officials here are mandated to monitor and ensure implementation of the Ordinance.