MSFPC-Sibugay to intensify forest protection activities

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (MSFPC) of Zamboanga Sibugay convened on Thursday afternoon at the provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here to draw up measures aimed at protecting the forest.

Ms. Arlene E. Gabayno, acting chief of the Forest Resources Conservation Division of DENR-Sibugay disclosed that her office had received a report of rampant cutting of mangroves in some part of the province. “This is the reason why the MSFPC meeting is being called,” she said.

The meeting was participated in by the DENR personnel, provincial and municipal officials, Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bantay Mangrove team, academe, and barangay officials.

Gabayno said the MSFPC has been created to help maintain, protect and conserve forest natural resources.
Other environmental issues and concerns were also discussed in the said meeting.

Gabayno also that the Executive Order No. 23 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III on Feb. 1, 2011 declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests is still in effect. “Any violation of the same will be dealt with accordingly,” she added.

EO No. 32 underscores the State’s obligation of protecting the remaining forest cover areas not only to prevent  occurrences of calamities, but also to preserve biodiversity, protect threatened habitats and sanctuaries of endangered and rare species, and to allow for the natural regeneration of residual forests and the development of plantation forests.