Strictly monitor compliance with Tree Cutting Permits - RED Bambalan

The Cagayan Valley environment chief has urged DENR officials in Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya to strictly monitor the compliance of mining companies with the terms and conditions of the tree cutting permits issued to them by the agency.

 

On Aug. 18-19, Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn C. Bambalan conducted site visits and initiated discussions with the OceanaGold Philippines Incorporated and the FCF Minerals. During the meeting, the mining companies presented their compliance with the tree cutting permits' terms and conditions that include seedling replacement for every tree cut. She also monitored the status of the cut logs.

 

Director Bambalan made a tall order to the PENR and CENR Officers having jurisdiction over the mining sites to conduct regular assessment of the companies’ compliance with the terms and conditions of the special tree cutting and earth-balling permits issued to them. The field officials were also instructed to properly account the seedlings and cut logs.

 

As contribution to the National Greening Program (NGP) and climate change initiatives of the government, the DENR has required the mining companies to replace each tree to be cut or affected with 100 seedlings of indigenous species. The mining companies are also required to rehabilitate two hectares in every hectare of mined out areas.

 

The seedlings replaced will be planted by the permittee within the non-mineable areas of the company, mined out areas or other areas jointly identified by the mining companies and the DENR.

 

"To ensure better results, we proposed that instead of seedlings only, the DENR and mining companies can enter into agreement for the adoption of NGP areas without funding from our agency for maintenance and protection," Director Bambalan said. She added that the CENRO will identify the sites and the cost of seedlings, plantation establishment, and maintenance and protection to be borne by the mining companies.

 

"The planted seedlings will be maintained by the permittee for a period of three years with a survival rate of at least 80 percent," she emphasized.

 

The regional DENR chief also told the mining companies to immediately turn over all cut logs or harvested timber to the DENR for the latter to properly stockpile in a safe location to preserve the economic value. These logs can be donated to the Department of Education for school building construction, and for other government agencies and local government units.

“Ayusin natin para hindi masayang ang resources," Director Bambalan said in closing.

 

Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Director Mario A. Ancheta accompanied Director Bambalan in the site visits.#