Noy: Inadequate seedling supply also prompted log ban

MANILA, Philippines - The inadequate supply of seedlings for reforestation was part of the reason why the indefinite log ban was issued, President Aquino said.

“We have our reforestation program, but the problem is the inadequate supply of seedlings that we could use. Adding to the problem is the fact that our forests are dwindling very fast,” Aquino said.

Aquino said he was prompted to issue Executive Order 23 to avert more floods and eventually restore denuded forests in the country.

The EO tasked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to strictly implement the log ban, and suppress illegal logging, in the hope of bringing back trees in the forests.

“We are trying to address the situation to stop the indiscriminate cutting of trees that should not be cut down in the first place,” Aquino explained to reporters in a chance interview at Muntinlupa City last week.

In issuing EO 23, Aquino also created an Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force to be headed by DENR Secretary Ramon Paje.

Aquino issued Executive Order 23 implementing the indefinite log ban and creating an Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force to be headed by Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.

Aquino authorized the release of P10 million as seed fund for the task force. The initial budget would be sourced from the Department of Budget and Management with additional funds to be cleared by the President.

Aquino tasked Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Philippine National Police chief Director General Raul Bacalzo and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Ricardo David to help the task force in implementing the indefinite log ban all over the country.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda clarified EO 23 is not imposing a total log ban.

“Let’s allow them to cut the logs in the plantation forests. But we have to allow the trees to grow again in the natural and residual forests,” Lacierda said.

“The log ban applies to natural and residual forests, but not to plantation forests… we have to make sure the forests are protected,” he said.

Lacierda said he was dismayed by the lack of support from environmental groups who have suddenly clammed up when Aquino issued the indefinite log.

He said the President would be open to a dialogue from any concerned group, but that this would be up to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to accommodate in the tight schedule of the Chief Executive.

“I don’t know if Secretary Paje met them (environmental groups) already and they have raised their concerns. With respect to the President, we already stated our position but if they still want a dialogue with the President over the issue, we’ll accommodate them depending on his appointment schedule,” he said.

“We have a clear understanding that this not a total log ban, what has been protected is the natural forest. To protect the forest is our obligation, our primary concern is to protect the environment. I wonder where the environmentalists are?” he asked.         – With Paolo Romero