DENR asks Congress for more resources to enforce environmental laws

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is asking for more resources to better enforce environmental laws.

DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones on Thursday admitted that they have a few forest rangers and forest guards and have meager resources for enforcement.

“Kaunti na nga ‘yung ating forest guard, maliit pa ‘yung resources natin para sa enforcement ng ating mga forestry laws, environmental laws.

(We only have a few forest guards, and our resources for enforcement of forestry laws, and environmental laws are also small.)

“Kaya nga ang ginagawa namin nagsu-suggest kami, nagpo-propose kami sa Kongreso na kung pwede ay mabigyan kami ng resources at mga batas like for example palakasin iyong aming enforcement capability,” Leones said in a Laging Handa public briefing.

(What we do is we suggest, we propose to Congress if they could give us resources and laws to strengthen our enforcement capability.)

The DENR relies on regular enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police.

Leones, however, lamented that at times, the police have more urgent matters to attend to.

“So, humihingi kami ng enforcement team or unit na tutulong sa amin para mabilis namin ma-aksyunan ‘yun pong mga illegal activities,” he said.

(So, we are asking for an enforcement team or unit that will help us act fast against illegal activities.)

The DENR likewise coordinates with local government units, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, indigenous people and communities to protect the country’s forests.

The Philippines, Leones said, has 15-million hectare of forest land.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier said that he wants to include tree planting in flood control projects. —with Kristelle Anne Razon, trainee

JMS