DA chief asked to stop special permits to cut coco trees in Quezon

LUCENA CITY, Philippines  – The provincial government of Quezon will ask Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to temporarily suspend the Philippine Coconut Authority’s issuance of special permits to cut and transport coconut trees in the province.

Provincial Administrator Rommel Edaño told The STAR that the issuance of special permits to coconut lumber traders despite the national moratorium against it also contradicts the pro-environment advocacy of Quezon Gov. Jayjay Suarez.

Edaño said they are against the cutting of coconut trees and they are now forming a task force that will help protect the province’s natural resources.

Edaño said being the agriculture secretary, Alcala has jurisdiction over the PCA, an agency under his department.

However, when asked of his reaction regarding reports that coconut trees are being cut in some of the farmlands in Unisan town, Edaño refused to answer.

Unisan is the hometown Suarez and his father, Rep. Danilo Suarez.

Barely two weeks ago, oil millers in Quezon called on President Aquino to do something about the issuance of special permits to cut coconut trees in their province, claiming that this affects the operation of their businesses.