DENR pushes for revival of local wood industry

MANILA, Philippines - Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje is eyeing the revival of the local wood industry.

However, he is urging members of the Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA) to do their part in helping the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) resurrect the industry, particularly urging them to refrain from corrupting the agency’s personnel.

Paje vowed he will run after the bribe-givers as well as the erring DENR employees. “You have to help me if you want me to help the industry. Do not bribe my people. Not only will I run after my people but I will also run after you. This duty must be two-way,” he said.

The DENR chief’s call came amid renewed efforts being undertaken by the Aquino administration to infuse more investment into the forestry sector especially in the establishment of tree plantations in the countryside.

Because it is a renewable resource, Paje said the country’s wood industry can thrive and compete in the local and international arena.

He said he has firm faith in the winning combination of the enterprising Filipino tree farmers and PWPA’s effectiveness in watching its ranks.

“The forestry industry will be revived. It will not be a sunset industry. We will make the industry a winner industry,” Paje said.

He revealed that foreign investors are already lining up, with one possible investor in China Development Bank (CDB).

In a recent meeting, Paje said CDB assistant governor Zhao Jianping said they are seriously looking at investing in forestry and in the pulp and paper sectors as well as in mining projects, bringing in investments of up to $1 billion.

CDB is the most profitable bank in China and is owned by the Chinese government.

Paje said the Philippines would benefit from such investment since the viability of tree plantations and pulp and paper consumption “is directly proportional with population.”