The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) granted a tree cutting permit to the provincial government of Benguet to make way for the PRDP funded subprojects entitled, “Improvement along Jose Mencio Farm-to-Market Road” and “Improvement of Km.49-Ambakian Farm-to-Market Road.”

This is in compliance to DENR Administrative Order 2016-07 dated May 19, 2016 authorizing the cutting of trees within areas that pose danger to lives and properties, including those that are affected by government projects after due evaluation by the agency.

Staff from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Buguias, together with Mayor Peter Alos of Atok and members of the Sangguniang Bayan, supervised the tree cutting activities along the Jose Mencio FMR last October 5, 2017.  Seventy (70) Benguet pine trees, five (5) Alnus and four (4) of varied species with a total volume of 13.78 cubic meters and 134 saplings were affected.  According to the DENR, these trees were adjacent to the road and obviously left hanging posing danger to all motorists and passers-by.

The trees cut were turned-over to CENRO-Buguias for safekeeping and proper disposition.  Some were requested by the barangays concerned for community use through a resolution duly endorsed by the municipal officials.  As a replacement to the trees cut, the provincial government was supposed to turn-over 31,750 seedlings preferably of indigenous species.  Since October and the ensuing months were not suitable for planting, Gov. Crescencio Pacalso of Benguet pledged that seedlings be turned-over this year 2018.  Coffee seedlings will also be distributed to affected families.  He also assured the conduct of participatory tree planting activities with the community and concerned municipal local government units.

Prior to the application for a permit, series of public consultations with the concerned stakeholders were conducted.  Signboards were also installed within the area for the public to be informed of the purpose and number of trees to be cut.  Forester Julius T. Kollin, Benguet Environment and Natural Resources Officer, explained the significance of the on-going road improvement, including the number of trees affected by the project and replacement of the trees cut.  “The people are so receptive of the project and much willing to cooperate for the development of their own roads.  For decades, the people endured the bumpy roads just to bring their produce to the market,” he said.

For Km. 49-Ambakian FMR, tree cutting activities will be undertaken this year.  A total of 67 Benguet Pine trees with a total volume of 8.45 cubic meters and 285 pine saplings, all located in the municipality of Kabayan, are expected to be cut.  The provincial government is also obliged to turn-over 49,450 seedlings preferably of indigenous species as replacement of the trees sought to be cut and should be planted in areas identified by the DENR and LGUs concerned.  Similar series of public consultations were also conducted within the area.|| BRIAN A. CAMHIT, PLGU Benguet/ InfoACE Focal Person