Wood producers appeal log ban

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA) is urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to start the evaluation of operations of all wood producers to enable a more realistic review of the wood industry’s request for the lifting of the total log ban.

At the sidelines of the 60th general assembly of the PWPA at the Makati Shangri-La yesterday, PWPA president Antonio Olizon said an evaluation would once and for all prove and validate the claim of PWPA members that they are engaged in sustainable wood production and harvesting and should, therefore, not be covered by the total log ban as imposed through Executive Order No. 23.

The PWPA has been insisting that a moratorium on timber harvesting in natural and residual forests will directly penalize the legitimate companies in the wood industry who have been zealously protecting and conducting sustainable practices in managing the country’s remaining forest areas for decades, with severe consequences on downstream industries.

The PWPA has appealed to President Aquino to re-consider the imposition of a moratorium as it would result in long-term negative repercussions.

Olizon reiterated that the evaluation should be conducted by next month so that a review of the total log ban could be made, before it is too late.

The evaluation, Olizon said, would validate those who follow the rules and regulations, as well as those found in violation.

Those found in violation, Olizon said, should then be suspended or terminated.

However, he argued, those found to be in compliance should not be prevented from continuing their operations. –Marianne V. Go (The Philippine Star)