DENR, DA promote alternative farming

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is one with the Department of Agriculture in promoting climate change-resistant vegetation and tree planting.

Al Orolfo, Regional Technical Director for Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, explained that they are echoing the importance of planting that adapts to the changing Philippine climate. Orolfo also suggested multi-storey cropping as the new way in planting both trees and crops.

“Farmers used to have their planting cycle, but now it is already different. The DENR recognizes this, and that’s why in terms of biodiversity, we are also promoting less reliance on monoculture. […] now we are promoting the type of farming which is organic farming,” explained the PAWB 7 chief.

Organic farming is done by combining different species. Orolfo said that combining different species promotes resiliency in plants. Alternating fruit-bearing trees alongside prime species is another adaptive measure that would help sustain water sourcing.

Moreover, the environment agency is closely monitoring the transport of forest products in view of the foreseen increasing demand on charcoal in lieu of liquefied petroleum gas.

Areas monitored include Getafe and Buenavista in Bohol province, Bayawan to Negros Occidental stretch, and five towns in Cebu like Tuburan, San Remigio, Asturias, Tabuelan, and Balamban which were earlier placed under moratorium on processing and issuance of transport documents for firewood and charcoal.

DENR earlier issued the moratorium for Cebu in line with strict enforcement of Executive Order  No. 23 declaring a moratorium on cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forest as well as Presidential Decree 705 otherwise known as the Revised Forest Code of  the Philippines.

DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo earlier issued a memorandum requiring all field offices to closely coordinate with the regional and provincial anti-illegal task force to conduct joint enforcement operations.— /BAL (FREEMAN)