DENR acts on plaints vs timber firm in Misor

HARVESTING of old-growth trees from identified protection forest inside a company’s concession area violates the Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA).

This is the reason behind the review and assessment requested by Acting Secretary Eleazar P. Quinto of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on the compliance of Southwood Timber Corporation (STC) in Misamis Oriental.

The study is a response to the clamor of the local officials and residents in Gingoog City and Barangay Minalwang, Claveria in this province.
The team which will conduct the study is composed of forestry and environmental science experts outside of DENR, Quinto said.

This is to ensure impartiality and transparency in the resolution of STC’s alleged violations of its lease of contract.
The creation of this team of experts is covered by DENR Special Order No. 2010-53 signed by Acting Secretary Eleazar P. Quinto on January 20, 2010.

Maximo O. Dichoso, regional executive director of DENR in region 10, said that the public should give the independent team a chance to do their tasks and to come up with a comprehensive report and appropriate maps thereafter.

Dichoso added that the team will be joined by representatives from the academe, Forest Management Bureau (FMB) and DENR 10. A report from Henry D. Daquipel of PIA 10