DENR suspends processing of application for tree cutting

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

Wednesday 30th of May 2012

NAVAL, Biliran, May 30 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Biliran province deferred and suspended the processing of all requests and applications for tree cutting permits effective on May 21, 2012.

Dr. Urbano B. Doydora, OIC-PENRO, DENR-Biliran cited DENR Memorandum dated April 30, 2012 issued by DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh as the basis for the deferment and suspension in the processing of all requests and applications for tree cutting permits.

Doydora informed the public and further advised all tree plantation owners to refrain from cutting/harvesting until the lifting of the office order for the temporary suspension in the processing of tree cutting permit.

He added that cutting of trees within the natural grown forests was still prohibited pursuant to Presidential Decree 705.

However, Doydora clarified that permits for cutting and harvesting of trees issued by his office before the issuance of the suspension order will remain in effect.

The provincial chief of the environment department in Biliran province further clarified that pruning of branches of trees to be used as firewood is not prohibited but cutting of the whole tree for firewood purposes is not allowed.

He also said that the DENR Central Office might lift the suspension order soon because of the complaints received by the department from private lot owners whose lots were planted with trees for commercial purposes. (rv-PIA 8, Biliran)
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