Massive cutting of trees in Sagada alarms execs

DILG urged: Mandate LGUs to protect forests 

By Gina Dizon

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The joint watershed management councils of major watersheds of this province along the Chico River urged the Dept. of Interior and Local Government to mandate local government units to protect forests from destruction following massive cutting of trees was reported in nearby Sagada town.
                In their regular meeting here last week, the joint watershed management councils of Chico River tributaries Kalawitan Bayudan Malitep Amlosong (Kabamaaam) and tributaries Balitian, Agbuyo, Maligcong, Docligan and Lingoy (Baagmadoli) of the Integrated Natural Resources Environmental Management Project (Inrempt) also  noted forest fires needing immediate attention along with other cases of illegal logging and massive clearing.  

Kabamaam chairman and Bauko mayor Abraham Akilit said barangay units have direct contact with their respective constituents to call on the protection of forests.

Community Environment and Natural Resources Office supervisor Elizabeth Antolin said a meeting among barangay chairmen shall be held this week for barangay officials to attend and discuss environmental issues.

               A meeting among barangay chairmen was done early last year by stakeholders including the Provincial Office, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources and Bureau of Forest Protection and barangay officials to prevent forest fires.

               A number of forest fires have been eating the mountains last year in this mountainous province and early forest fire already seen December and early this year.  

In the same meeting, the joint management councils noted a special investigation on cutting of vital water bearing trees at the mossy forest of Pilaw, Sagada and massive clearing of forests at Sitio Lasangan and Lasig of Sagada.

An inspection of the CENRO noted massive clearing at Lasangan and Lasig of vital water bearing trees including indigenous ‘sakti’, ‘aeas’, mountain tea and young trees.  

Investigating team included the DENR, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, concerned barangay officials and non-government organizations.  

Pilaw and nearby Malebelba watersheds are noted to be communal mossy forests among the people of Poblacion Patay.

An earlier watershed summit identified these as communal sites.