MORE NEWS, APAYAO

Illegal logging, mining rampant in Apayao
By Dexter A. See

LUNA, Apayao – Illegal logging and mining in the province is unabated in the province prompting environment officials to warn that if left unchecked, this could lead to environmental disaster.

Primitivo Galinato Jr., Cordillera Environment director urged residents in the province to do their part in stopping these illegal activities by reporting or stopping the culprits.

Galianto made the appeal during the regular quarterly meeting of the Regional Development Council recently held in this province.

Earlier, Apayao Gov. Elias Bulut Sr. asked the Dept. Of Environment and Natural Resources to stop issuing permits to loggers and miners, including companies.

Bulut said there should be consultation with the people and officials before the DENR issues logging and mining permits.

Noting that no one can prevent prospective loggers and miners from filing with the DEMR applications for logging and mining, Galinato said the financial and technical capabilities of the applicants are subjected to through evaluation.

This is done before the applicants are allowed to secure social acceptability as well as the free and prior informed consent of the affected communities, Galinato said.

He said the DENR grants logging concessionaires integrated forest management agreements (IFMAs) instead of the usual timber license agreements (TLAs) because IFMA requires the loggers to plant replacements of the trees they cut.

In Apayao, the DENR issued three IFMAs to loggers, and the others operating in the province and parts of Region II are illegal.

Bulut said the DENR should stop issuing permits to applicants for logging concessions and mining activities in this province because these would result in the eventual destruction of the environment of Apayao.

He said the region’s natural resources must be preserved and protected, and the government should not allow unscrupulous individuals to deprive future generations of their right to exploit, utilize, and develop their resources.

Bulut said he had been pressured by top government officials who are allegedly forcing provincial officials to allow logging and mining concessions to operate in their province, but the financial and technical capabilities of the applicants are doubtful.

Galinato told provincial and municipal officials the DENR will not allow any logging or mining company to enter Apayao without the approval of the officials and the affected communities.

He said this would ensure the preservation of the thick forest cover of the mountains which serve as a potential source of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses.