BUTUAN CITY – Forty-one lumads from the different tribes are undergoing training on forestry laws, rules and regulations in an effort to help the government in the all-out drive against illegal logging activities in northeastern Mindanao or the Caraga region.
The lumads, who belong to the groups of the Wawa Tribal Sectoral Council and the Sibagat Tribal Sector were recommended by their respective tribal chieftains and sectoral leaders to be trained by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) against illegal logging.
After their extensive month-long training, these lumads who will be then appointed as “Deputy Forest Rangers” will be back in their respective highland communities on December 1 and implement what they learned on forestry matters.
The candidates for “Deputy Forest Rangers” (DFR) have been taught about forestry regulations specifically the Forestry Code of the Philippines under PD 705, the Wildlife Act, the National Greening Program (NGP), the Solid Waste Management, and other rules and regulations being imposed by the DENR.
According to DENR 13 Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo, these soon to be deputized lumads will also complement the PNP, the Philippine Army and the DENR Forest Rangers in the campaign against illegal trade of wildlife and illegal logging.
“Malaking tulong din ito sila sa ating kampanya because they are based in the forest areas and they know the terrain,” said Tamayo.
Meanwhile, Director Tamayo has commended the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) under Regional Director Chief Supt. Rolando B. Felix for its continuing support to the DENR in the anti-illegal logging campaign in the region.
Recently, PRO 13 personnel arrested six persons involved in the illegal transport activity of lumber products locally known as “mangkono” or “iron wood” and lauan in two separate incidents in Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte.
(Mike U. Crismundo)