DENR-FMS seeks LGU reports on distribution of Typhoon-Frank logs
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Forest Management Services (DENR-FMS) still needs the final report of the recipient local government units of the beneficiaries of logs donated to them in the aftermath of Typhoon Frank last year.
Forester Jesse Vego, now PENRO for Negros occidental, and who made the plan for the distribution of the logs, said in a PIA-6 interview, that so far it is only San Jose, Antique which has submitted the final report.
Vego said the DENR-6 was authorized to dispose of the more than 10,000 pieces of logs collected, under an emergency need, for the purpose of benefitting those which need them most, for rebuilding their homes destroyed, or any vital infrastructure in the barangays.
Vego said 71 per cent of the logs collected were donated to different LGUs as of August 2008, with the province of Antique given more than 50 percent, or more than 4,000 pieces, Aklan, over 2,000 pieces, Iloilo, more than 1,000 pieces and Capiz, about 200 pieces.
He said the log donations were received by the mayors of the towns identified as recipients, channeled to the Social Worker Officer and the Municipal Engineer, properly oriented on how to fill up the accountable forms given them, as well as monitor utilization of the logs.
"We now need the report to be submitted to "Bangon Panay" Task Force, as part of our accomplishments," Vego said.
Vego said the report should contain above other things, the names of actual recipients, pictures of the structures on which the logs were used, and the status of the other logs donated or not donated as of this time yet, by the LGU.
Vego said the final report could have been submitted last year yet, but the DENR allowed for more time, considering that the donation was made on an emergency situation.
"We need the report for transparency and to show who, were and how the logs were used," Vego said. (PIA 6/ESS)