BALER, Aurora, Philippines – Starting this month, cutting of coconut trees in this province is not allowed, according to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
Violators face two to five years imprisonment and P100,000 to P500,000 fine, the agency said.
PCA’s Memorandum Circular No. 05 signed by Administrator Euclides Forbes ordered a moratorium in the cutting of coconut trees to boost coconut production and mitigate effects of climate change.
The PCA said it has already informed local coconut traders and coco lumber dealers of the moratorium. He said all permits for the transport of coconut products have been temporarily suspended.