Aurora governor nixes total logging ban

DINGALAN, Aurora, Philippines – Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, whose province is one of the areas where logging companies operate, yesterday called on the Aquino administration to hold off its plan to impose a total log ban nationwide and to instead enforce a selective ban in areas proven to be prone to floods and landslides.

Angara-Castillo said the plan to implement a total log ban will require an in-depth study and should be abandoned in favor of a selective logging ban, which may be enforced in consultation with local officials and residents of the affected areas.

Angara-Castillo said she has always been in favor of a selective logging ban in order not to affect the livelihood of people dependent on logging.

“As we know, lots of people are dependent on the utilization of forest products. I am more inclined to call on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to strictly implement the applicable laws on logging,” she said.

The governor was reacting to a plan being floated by President Aquino to impose a total log ban through an executive order following massive floods and landslides in some provinces.

The Philippine Wood Producers Association has argued against a total log ban, and estimated that the country will lose at least P30 billion in investments.

It said that along with the loss in investments and government revenues, the closure of legitimate companies will also affect around two million Filipinos directly or indirectly employed by wood processing companies.

Angara-Castillo likened the imposition of a total log ban to that of a garden. “When you say total log ban, it’s total prohibition of cutting of trees. The important thing for the gardener is when and where to cut trees,” she said.