DENR in Regions 11 and 13 team-up against illegal logging

In an effort to strengthen the implementation of environmental laws between the Caraga and Davao Regions, DENR Officials headed by Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo of Caraga and Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco of Davao convened for an inter-regional collaboration to curb timber poaching within the boundaries of the two regions on March 23, 2021 at the DENR Caraga Regional Learning Center, Ambago, Butuan City.

The inter-regional meeting seeks to brainstorm and thresh out issues and concerns necessary to prevent and mitigate the resurgence of illegal transport and possible illegal logging activities affecting the two regions, considering that both regions are closely inter-connected with each other as the main gateway and source of forest products, respectively.

During the meeting, RED Tamayo pointed out people’s dependency on the forestry sector which also leads to numerous incidents of illegal logging/timber poaching activities, and highlighted that community participation is essential in putting an end to these illegal activities.

“Over the years, we continue to strengthen our enforcement efforts. We established 42 patrol bases and monitoring stations and 5 look-out towers. To date, only 8 of the previously identified 17 hotspot areas are considered as areas of concern. All are located in the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur which are adjacent to the area of responsibility DENR Region XI. This is why working together is essential in stopping these illegal logging activities,” RED Tamayo said.

In his message, RED Evasco emphasized that he is envisioning more collaboration and coalition forces between the Offices in the two regions.

“Through our joined efforts in this enforcement, we can reach new heights in coming-up with effective strategies and in developing innovative tools so we can manage environmental issues better,” RED Evasco said. He added, “We, in Region XI, will put our best foot forward in all our undertakings today and for the future.”

During the meeting, officials from CENRO Bislig, Surigao del Sur, CENRO Loreto, Agusan del Sur, CENRO Monkayo, Davao de Oro and CENRO Baganga, Davao Oriental presented some situationer to apprise those present of the status of the   hotspot areas.

On the next days, RED Evasco and the team conducted a site inspection within areas bordering Regions XI and XIII particularly between CENRO Bislig, Surigao del Sur and CENRO Baganga, Davao Oriental.

Proper health protocols were observed throughout the meeting.

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