Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Oscar G. Garin has ordered a moratorium on the issuance of permits to cut coconut trees (PCCTs) and the corresponding transport/transshipment clearances (TTCs) except on limited exceptions pursuant to PCA board resolution 02-008 effective March 10, 2008.
Garin has declared a transition period prior to the effectivity date. Those entitled to the transitory provisions will be limited to those with permits approved on or before Feb. 19, 2008.
“We will implement this moratorium to once and for all arrest the ever increasing and unabated incidence of illegal cutting,” Garin said as he underscored the need for stricter regulations to stop the illicit practices of unscrupulous coconut lumber traders.
Under memorandum circular 02-2008 Feb. 12, 2008, all issuances of PTTCs and TTCs are ordered suspended nationwide except on limited exceptions — for typhoon-damaged coconut trees in declared typhoon calamity areas; for trees which pose threat and danger to life, limb and property; for areas duly authorized for conversion; and for personal use of the farmer for family housing or animal shed which should not exceed five trees.
The memorandum likewise restricts the transportation of coconut lumber within the provincial territorial limits only, and with the use only of a four-wheeler vehicle such as jeepney, pick-up or flatbed and the likes, with a maximum load capacity of two thousand board feet of coconut lumber approximately from 20 coconut trees. – Coconut Media Service