ZIVAC HOSTS TRAINING FOR BANTAY-GUBAT DEPUTIZATION
PERU, LASAM|
With the prime purpose of conserving, sustaining and protecting the environment and natural resources of the entire Zinundungan Valley and the rest of the forestland of Lasam, the Zinundungan Valley Agriculture Cooperative (ZIVAC) spearheaded a 2-day training for the deputization of "bantay-gubat" volunteers also known as the designated Deputy Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENRO) in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and with the support from the Kaakibat Civicom (KCIL-141) and the Local Government Unit on August 30-31, 2022.
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| Peru Lake, Lasam, Cagayan |
The training and orientation focused on the forestry and environmental laws and the rules and regulations governing several mandates such as the Chainsaw Act, Wildlife Act and the New Integrated Protected Areas System or NIPAS Act and Mining Act.
Attended by more than 60 participants and volunteers from different sectors in government and in the society including the Agtas (IPs), the aim of the training is to delegate these volunteers to be the DENR-recognized forestland watchers and protectors in their designated domains equipped with the proper knowledge and procedures in effect to carry out their roles.
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| Bantay-Gubat Volunteers |
In a short speech by municipal Mayor Dandex Agatep, he expressed his grief over his awareness of the massive but silent forest destruction and abuse in Lasam. Emphasizing the importance of the training, the mayor said that he is in full support of the funding of this endeavor and its successive undertakings because according to him, the forests belong to our children and to the future generations to come.
Mr. Joselito Razon, CENRO OIC and one of the speakers also called out not only the volunteers but all the people to be vigilant in their surroundings for unscrupulous and unpermitted cutting of trees.
He asserted that the environmental laws won't spare anyone in violation even if politicians and police officers are involved.
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| Massive forest destruction |
"But remember, cutting, possessing and transporting of trees are permitted provided that you fulfill all the necessary permits", the director however clarified.
About 30 DENROs (officers) and 20 bantay-gubat volunteers (Agtas) are expected to be deputized by the DENR after the said training.
Lasam is a 3rd class municipality with a total land area of 223,000 hectares. Natural forests cover an extent of 44% of the total land area much of those are located in barangay Sicalao, Viga, Peru and Cabatacan areas collectively known as the "forest heartland of Lasam".
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#ExploreLasam #IntoTheWild #BantayGubat
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