By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — According to Department of Environment and Natural resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR) Technical Director for Forest Management Augosto Lagon, DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelte-Teh issued a memorandum dated June 22, 2012 stating that the suspension of the issuance of tree cutting permits only covers naturally grown trees within public forests and lands.

In the regular session of the Baguio City Council, Lagon said that the DENR undersecretary issued the memorandum clarifying the Executive Order 23 deferring and suspending the processing of all requests and applications for tree cutting permits nationwide until further notice. EO 23 issued by the President of the Philippines prohibits the DENR from issuing and renewing tree cutting permits in all natural and residual forests nationwide, except for clearing of road right of way by concerned agencies such as the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH). Also exempted are applications for tree cutting associated with cultural practices based on the provisions of the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA Law) with strict compliance to the DENR guidelines.

According to Lagon, the new memorandum states the suspension does not cover naturally grown trees within the private or titled property. He added that exempted from the suspension are trees planted by people within public forests and timberland.

The council asked the technical director how can naturally grown trees and planted trees be identified.

Lagon said that naturally grown trees can be distinguished from those planted trees. He said that it can be seen according to the distance of the trees from each other.

According also to Lagon, permits issued to SM Development Corporation on its earthballing, tree cutting and pruning activities at Luneta Hill are suspended in compliance to the Temporary Environment Protection Order (TEPO) issued by the court. He also said they are monitoring the earth balled trees. He claimed that the trees has indications of survival. # nordis.net