130 plants, lumber dealers face closure

CEBU, Philippines -  More than 130 wood processing plants and lumber dealers in Central Visayas are now facing closure for failure to secure the necessary permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- 7.

 This was found out during the inventory conducted by the community environment and natural resources offices (CENROs) in the region to verify if the operators are able to obtain the needed permits to continue operating.

In a notice of closure dated June 6 signed by former DENR-7 executive director Maximo O. Dichoso violators were ordered to voluntarily stop operating immediately upon receipt of the order to avoid legal sanctions.

The order added that wood processors and lumber dealers can only resume operation when necessary permits to operate are secured and duly approved by DENR-7.

 Earlier this year, a notice of violation was issued to 307 wood processing plant operators and lumber dealers without appropriate permits and gave them until March 2012 to fully comply with the requirements of the forestry laws. Only 55-percent have complied with the order or 169.

 Cebu registered a 51-percent rate of compliance or 88 out of 174 establishments that were issued notices of violation. Siquijor only had six out of 20.

 Bohol obtained the highest rate of compliance at 66 percent or 33 out of 50. Negros Oriental got 59 percent or 42 out of 63. In Cebu City, 40 out of 60 complied with the order.

  Meanwhile, DENR-7 has a new executive director in the person of Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo.

 Montejo replaced Dichoso who is now assigned as executive director of the DENR in Region 3.   Montejo said the reassignment of key officials is part of the continuing organizational development instituted by DENR Secretary Ramon Paje to pursue its various flagship programs and projects on environmental protection and management.

Montejo is a holder of a doctorate degree in Management and Public Administration. He also has a master’s degree in Business Administration. He graduated BS in Forestry at the Visayas State College of Agriculture in 1982 and rose from the ranks.

Montejo promised to enforce the “matuwid na daan” particularly on governance, technical, and policy aspects, and urged everyone to join him hand in hand in continuing the reforms instituted by Secretary Paje for better and enhanced delivery of public service.—(FREEMAN)