DENR stops issuance of permit to cut trees in Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 5, 2014) – The DENR and the Provincial Government of Sarangani conclude during the press conference on October 29 after the assessment report and study was presented that natural and physical reasons were the major causes of the October 25, 2014 flooding in Sitio Tual, Poblacion, Kiamba, like the intense rain/high precipitation rate that week especially in the mountains, silted Tual river mouth, high tide, and higher slope which brought more runoff to the gullies and river. Based on the geo-hazard map/study, the area has been previously declared as susceptible to flooding. Contributing factors include the cultivation of forest land to agricultural activities in the upland and the anthropogenic/human activities. Nonetheless, the authorities have been intensifying the campaign and confiscation against anything illegal - timber poaching and mining. Starting October, DENR has already temporarily stopped the issuance of permit to cut. The Sarangani Provincial Government with the support of Kiamba LGU is already in the process of providing relocation site to Kiamba residents living in the danger zone and who were affected by the recent flooding. (Kim Windell Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)