Loot pushes for stricter rules on cutting of trees

CEBU, Philippines - With persistent reports of rampant cutting of trees for charcoal in the mountain barangays of Daanbantayan, Vice Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot has asked the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office to implement more stringent rules as regards the cutting of trees.

Loot had proposed that aside from imposing fines and penalties, MENRO would also require those who would like to obtain permit to cut trees and those caught cutting without permit to replace what they intend to cut or what they have cut by planting seedlings.

Loot said it should be made a requirement for an applicant to plant seedlings before a permit can be given to cut trees for charcoal.

Loot’s move came following the flash floods that occurred in the southern towns of Santander and Samboan.

Mayor Sun Shimura said a stricter policy in the issuance of permit to cut trees would help mitigate the possibility of heavy flooding in the town.

The damage to property and crops in Santander and Samboan have been estimated to reach P20 million. Damage caused by the flash floods were also reported in the towns of Barili and Ginatilan, both at the southwestern side of the province.

Based on the statements of the affected residents, a water spout locally known as “buhawi” reportedly caused the flooding.

The Daanbantayan municipal government also urged officers of the town’s Sangguniang Kabataan to initiate tree planting activities in their respective barangays. — Gregg M. Rubio/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)