Reformed illegal loggers join forest conservation drive

© 2000 The Manila Times
October 28, 2000
By Armand M. Galang

CABANATUAN CITY—In a complete turnaround, hundreds of Novo Ecijanos, who, for the longest time, earned their living through illegal logging and kaingin (slash-and-burn) farming, have agreed to participate in the government’s drive against forest destruction. Rafael Otic, provincial environment and natural resources officer for Nueva Ecija, said residents from Central Luzon’s illegal logging hotbed town of Gen.

Tinio this week entered into a contract under the Community-Based Forest Management Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The born-again forest protectors used to wield their axes and chainsaws in the forests of Sierra Madre and Caraballo mountains. Many disasters that hit the province and claimed lives and properties were blamed on the severe denudation of these forests.

In 1996, women bared their breasts to stop soldier-backed DENR men from confiscating their husbands’ hit logs. Even children were used by big-time illegal loggers against government operatives. Those days are over, and to better manage their newfound livelihood, the reformed loggers in six towns formed their own group.

• In Bongabon: Samahang Magsasaka sa Mataas na Bundok and Olivete Upland Farmers’ Association; 

• In Pantabangan: Sama­hang Magsasaka sa Kaunlaran at Pangkabuhayang Pagkaka­kitaan; 

• In Carranglan: Anak Magsa­saka ng Red Cross Village, Inc., and Lupao Upland Farmers and Agro-forest development Multi-Purpose Cooperative; 

• In Laur: San Fernando Upland Farmers’ Cooperative; 

• In Gabaldon: Bagting Highlanders Association; and 

• In Gen. Tinio: Balik-Kalikasan Tungo sa Kaunlaran, Sierra Madre Producers’ Cooperative.  Each organization was awarded a CBFM contract on Tuesday at ceremonies in Muñoz. Under the agreement, the DENR devolves to the farmers’ organization the responsibility of maintaining and rehabilitating the forestlands covered by the contract for 25 years. The farmers may plant cash crops along with fruit bearing and forest trees. They have the right to enjoy the fruits of their endeavor provided they commit no activities against the reforestation efforts. Error: Unable to read footer file.