By Armando Fenequito Jr.
DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) led the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in a signing ceremony of forest product donations to earthquake-affected municipalities on Thursday at the Davao del Sur Provincial Capitol in Digos City.
MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said 31,892.54 board feet of forest products with an estimated value of P916,715.21 were turned over to the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur led by DENR Undersecretary for Enforcement and Muslim Affairs Jim Sampulna during the activity.
"This is the DENR's immediate response to the need of Davao del Sur for its relocation sites and housing programs. I hope this helps in building decent homes for the affected families as they stand up again for their lives," Sampulna said.
Piñol added that the donation was the result of the assessment conducted by MinDA in the earthquake hard-hit municipality of Padada, and the request made by Piñol to DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu last December.
He also urged government officials and local government unit (LGU) leaders to implement responsive governance for their constituents especially those who are in need.
"We're showing in this activity what governance is today and before. Now it is a responsive governance. We respond to challenges and adjust our ways to serve better our people," Piñol said during the activity.
Meanwhile, Gov. Douglas Cagas said the donated lumber will be forwarded to the LGUs of Padada, Hagonoy, and Bansalan.
"We thank the DENR for this timely assistance. We will forward this lumber to the mayors to assist in the rebuilding of homes of their earthquake-affected constituents," he said.
Out of the total donated top logs, 18, 892.54 board feet were donated by DENR-Region XI while the 20,000 board feet were given by DENR-Caraga.
MinDA is also finalizing with the office of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa the supporting documents needed to request the release of a special emergency fund from the Office of the President for earthquake-stricken LGUs in Davao del Sur and Cotabato.