Atienza calls for review of RP’s forestry policies

MANILA, Philippines – Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza is seeking a review of forestry policies in order to revitalize the sector and lure investments to boost the economy, even as he called for intensified efforts to help mitigate global warming.

Atienza urged for the crafting of a “more definitive and acceptable action plan” in the development of tree plantations, but which would embrace economic consideration, social development, and environmental protection.

Atienza also pushed for the creation of a forestry-based industry board “that should sustain all our actions” in coming up with more acceptable and popular principles that provide for “an enabling policy for investment.”

“The DENR is firm on the conviction that resources should be harnessed for the benefit of our people, and effectively, for the Philippine economy,” Atienza stressed.

“And for forestry to become a legitimate investment environment, it should be a source of economic benefit at a time when we are looking for ways to improve the economy,” he also said.

Atienza spoke the other day before a gathering of around 60 government and private organizations involved in the country’s wood-based industry.

At the opening of the National Forum to Strengthen Policies and Opportunities for Forest Investments in the Philippines at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City, Atienza asked participants to draft a comprehensive action plan on how the industry can revitalize itself with renewed investors interest while asserting itself as an ally in the government’s efforts in mitigating the impacts of global warming.

The DENR chief particularly encouraged participants to contribute in the DENR’s legislative efforts to craft a better version of Presidential Decree 705 (as amended), the current national law that governs the country’s forest administration system in general.

According to Atienza, PD 705, which was a Martial Law decree, was “used and abused by those who benefited by that regime of dictatorship.”

“We have to craft now a law that addresses the Philippine situation,” Atienza explained. “A new Philippine forestry law would put the country in footing with other countries that are effectively using their natural resources while being very conscious about climate change and global warming.”

Atienza said government and private organizations involved in the country’s wood-based industry play a crucial role in the development of policies that provide incentives necessary to ensure the implementation of policies, particularly in sourcing investments in the forestry sector and to address sources of conflict between stakeholders. –Katherine G. Adraneda (The Philippine Star)