The virtual dialogue spearheaded by DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan and Major General Laurence Mina is a follow through of the agreement entered into earlier by the DENR and the Department of National Defense.

 

Director Bambalan said the memorandum of agreement (MOA) which will soon be formalized will primarily facilitate the allocation of available areas for the establishment of military camps and the provision of appropriate tenurial instruments.

 

“We want this partnership to become regionwide so we can also support your military camps in the region,” the DENR Region 2 chief said citing the recent signing of the MOA with the 501st Infantry Brigade.

 

She ordered all the provincial environment and natural resources officers who also attended the meeting to provide technical assistance to the Philippine Army and to assist them in the issuance of necessary permits from the DENR and other agencies.

 

The draft agreement states among others that the Philippine Army shall prepare the site development plan of proposed military camps, secure requirements for tree cutting permit of trees affected, and coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways for the construction of the building or camp in accordance with the standards particularly on the establishment of structures within protected areas.

 

Commander Officer Mina committed their continued support in the government’s anti-illegal logging efforts. He recommended for aerial monitoring and other forest protection strategies in the eastern side of the Sierra Madre ranges.

 

He added the presence of military camps will prevent environmental crimes as they will help the DENR in the enforcement of forestry laws rules and regulations and other related environmental policies.#