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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DENR appeals for addt'l resources to enforce environmental laws

DENR appeals for addt'l resources to enforce environmental laws

Published Nov 3, 2022 03:23 pm

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday, Nov. 3, appealed to lawmakers to provide the agency with more resources in order for it to improve the enforcement of environmental laws in the country.

Usec. Jonas Leones

In a “Laging Handa” briefing, Usec. Jonas Leones said their agency needs more funding as the country has around 15 million hectares of forest lands that need to be protected.

He noted that the DENR does not have enough forest rangers and forest guards.

“aunti na iyong ating forest guard, maliit pa iyong ating resources natin para sa enforcement ng ating mga forestry laws and environmental laws (We only have few forest guards, and we have small resources for the enforcement of forestry laws and environmental laws),” said Leones.

“Kaya nga ang ginagawa natin ay nagsa-suggest kami, nagpu-propose kami sa Kongreso na kung pupuwede ay mabigyan kami ng resources at mga batas, like for example, palakasin iyong aming enforcement capability, like for example, palakasin iyong aming enforcement capability (That’s why we are suggesting to Congress, if possible, they could give us resources and laws, for example, fortify our enforcement capability),” he continued.

As the agency does not have enough rangers and guards, Leones said they are currently relying on the assistance of the police and the army to enforce environmental laws.

“Pero ang problema namin mayroon silang mga mandate, iyong mga priorities nila, may mga urgent na pagkakataon ay hindi na natin sila masyadong maasahan dahil mayroon silang mga ginagawa rin (But the problem is that they have their own mandate, that’s their priority, there are times we need their urgent help, but we cannot rely on them because they have other works they need to accomplish),” he said.

“So, humingi kami ng talagang enforcement team or unit na tutulong sa amin para mabilis naming maaksiyunan iyong mga illegal activities, mas maganda po sa amin (So, we are asking for an enforcement team or unit that will help us act swiftly on illegal activities).”

According to the DENR, it currently coordinates with local government units (LGUs), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), indigenous people, and communities to protect the remaining forests in the country.

Recently, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. said he wants the government's flood control projects to include tree planting.

During his aerial inspection of Maguindanao, which was recently ravaged by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng, he observed deforestation in the mountains.

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