DENR steps up forest protection efforts thru LAWIN System

The teams adopt the Landscape and Wildlife Indicator (LAWIN) System as a monitoring tool. LAWIN is a Forest and Biodiversity Protection System that eliminates the manual process of encoding of field data by using SMART and CyberTracker applications installed in smartphones. It was developed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with DENR through the Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) Program.

Further, the Office of the Protected Area Superintendent of the Allah Valley Protected Landscape (PASU-AVPL) established checkpoints along national highways to prevent the movement of illegally cut forest products.

As of May 31, 2017, a total of 1,926 board feet of undocumented forest products were apprehended by the DENR within the second district of South Cotabato. Administrative adjudication proceedings were already undertaken and  criminal charges will be filed against the perpetrators for violation of Section 68 of  Presidential Decree No. 705, otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines, as amended and further amended by Executive Order No. 277, series of 1989.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed DENR Secretary, Roy A. Cimatu, cited that he will prioritize the full implementation of existing laws on clean air, clean water and solid waste management. He said that he would also ensure strict adherence to mining laws by mining contractors and fight illegal logging. He made the statement during his first attendance to the flag ceremony in the DENR Central Office, Diliman, Quezon City. (MMEdsil/CENRO Banga/MCLocsin/DENR XII)