Press Release
July 20, 2009

To halt rapid deterioration of Philippine forests
ANGARA CALLS FOR A FOREST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

"The alarming destruction of Philippine forests makes creation of Forest Management Program inevitable," said Senator Edgardo J. Angara who urge for the passage of the Tree Legacy Bill.

According to Haribon Foundation, our forests have reached the threshold of sustainability. In the 1990's, forest cover in the Philippines was estimated at 21 million hectares. A decade later, the lush forest cover was further reduced to a measly 800,000 hectares and in the year 2010, it is projected that forest cover will be reduced to an upsetting 266,666 hectares.

The destruction of these forests has had disastrous effects on the unique and rich Philippine biodiversity�with many endemic species pushed to the brink of extinction. This is the primary reason the Philippines is ranked as having the most severely endangered faunas in the world.

Angara added, "We are blessed with natural resources but we are always challenged by disasters, natural and even man made disasters that is gravely damaging and exploiting our environment,"

Based on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), about 38 areas nationwide are prone to frequent landslides and flooding which are located in the heavily denuded forest areas in the country.

Angara cited that limited forest cover affects not only our environment but our economy as a whole. It affects the people from the mountain province, their livelihood and living, it will affect the people relying on goods and services that come from those areas. A damaged environment causes domino effect and the government should not act based on reactionary state but on preventive measures.

He added that there is a need for a program that will ensure equitable access, sharing of rights to natural resources, development, management, protection and utilization. It is the role of the government to provide opportunities where the people can participate actively in forest resource development.

SB 913, which Angara filed, seeks to promote community based approach in attaining sustainable forest management. More so, it encourages tree plantation development from both private and public lands which is also very important in integrated watershed management.

"Every Filipino deserves a balanced and healthy ecology, as guaranteed by our Constitution," added Angara.

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