Immediate implementation of total logging ban pushed

With the death toll rising and so much destruction to lives, property and communities the unquestionable fact that illegal logging is the main culprit and the failure of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources to monitor and protect the country’s forests. The Ecological Society of the Philippines (ESP) has called for a total logging ban a long time ago. That was not heeded as usual.

We are reiterating our call for a total logging ban and cancellation of all timber licensing agreements (TLAs) and the persecution of all illegal loggers. We cannot allow our people and country to suffer more harm to lives and environment.

The tragedy in Ormoc where more than one thousand lives were lost in floods and landslides is enough for us to learn lesson. But alas, this not happening, despite a call for the total log ban 25 years ago. Decades of rampant illegal logging have made flashfloods and landslides deadlier which officials and environmentalist including ESP blame as the cause of the wanton damages brought in by two weeks of devastating storms – Unding, Winnie and Yoyong – that left more than a thousand dead and missing – mostly in Quezon: a grim reminder of Ormoc.

This time there is no excuse. The destruction of the last virgin forest continues through logging. The Sierra Madre mountains, home to our last virgin forest on Luzon Island must be protected with total logging ban. Mother Nature is sending us a very strong message. Act now or suffer the consequences of inaction. Have a total logging ban and cancel those TLAs.

Take stock, as well as, create jobs that will enhance biodiversity – and protect our environment, Otherwise this will continue to wreck havoc to our country and people if these are not addressed as soon as possible. Our total forest cover is now only three percent from 20 percent way, way back; it must be allowed to replenish itself.

Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri says a total logging ban will reduce our reserves. If our forest cover is more 20 percent, then we will be richer and more productive with food and environment security. The time is now or 25 years ago. The arguments of selective and total logging ban are the same and the players are the same. And the victims are the people.