MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte said the government has done nothing much about illegal logging and mining, which has contributed to the massive flooding brought about by consecutive typhoons that hit the country.
During his situation briefing in Cagayan province on Sunday, President Duterte urged local government units (LGUs) to take more action to protect the environment.
“Itong ulan na ganito, o bagyo, either with winds or just water pouring from the heavens, we always talk about illegal logging and mining but actually nothing has been done about it,” Duterte said.
“Ang importante ‘yung pag-control ng mining. Pagkabutas ng maraming butas maraming tubig ang pumapasok sa lupa. It loosens the soil,” the Chief Executive added.
“We work to prevent the repetition of disasters by redefining forest protection efforts against illegal logging and mining. I expect our LGUs to do their part in this endeavor.” he furthered.
Duterte also enjoined LGUs to “actively collaborate” with the inter-agency task force leading the rehabilitation of typhoon-hit areas.
“Your lives, including your good health and safety and improved welfare, are the government’s highest priority,” Duterte said. “We will do everything to return to normalcy.”
The President also assured the public that the government will “do everything” to make sure that typhoon victims in Cagayan province would immediately go back to their normal lives.
“Ang guidance talaga, I got this from President (Fidel) Ramos. It’s not my novel idea that after a catastrophe, the objective should be is to return to normalcy as soon as possible,” Duterte said.
“My solidarity and condolence go out to my fellow Filipinos in Cagayan Valley, most especially the bereaved families of the victims of the unprecedented flooding that occurred in the area in the aftermath of the typhoon,” he added./PN
