BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The massive flooding in Negros Occidental early this month could not be blamed to illegal logging activities, according to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).
Eduardo Rostata, PENRO chief, cited their assessment showing no evidence of new or freshly cut, or illegally cut trees in the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) and in areas of the 3rd District.
NNNP is part of the largest watershed in the province with unique biophysical and geographical features. It stretches about 80,454.5 hectares of land covering portions of 11 local government units (LGUs), including the cities of Talisay, Silay, Victorias, Cadiz, Sagay, and San Carlos, and the towns of E.B. Magalona, Toboso, Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Murcia.
“Claims that recent floods can be blamed on illegal logging are mere speculations and don’’t have any basis,” Rostata reiterated.
The PENRO, according to Rostata, had been “very strict” in implementing forestry laws. Forest rangers also regularly patrol the protected areas.
On Jan. 1 and 8, floods due to torrential rain hit eight towns and cities in the province, killing at least two and forcing thousands to evacuate.
Hardest hit were Silay, Talisay and Victorias, and E.B. Magalona town in the third district, which were all placed under a state of calamity.
On Jan. 16, flashfloods also hit the northernmost city of San Carlos.
Rostata urged the public to be more responsible and follow policies that protect and sustain the environment. /PN
