300 forest rangers needed for Mount Arayat

CLARK FREEPORT — Mayor Emmanuel “Bon” Alejandrino said that more than 300 forest rangers are needed to protect Mount Arayat.

During a conference for the restoration of Manila Bay held at Royce Hotel here, Alejandrino disclosed that the number would suffice to protect the mountain and its resour ces.

“Siguro ang kailangan ay more than 300 forest rangers para ma-protektahan ang aming bundok,” Alejandrino said.

Based on studies about climate change, Mount Arayat was cited as the “Last Frontier,” according to the mayor. “So we need more trees, we need more people working in order to effectively implement the environment programs of the government.”

Alejandrino underscored the need to educate upland villagers, who cut trees as a means of livelihood, about the preservation of the envir onment .

“We have to educate them. Our problem is there are no job opportunities so we can bring them down,” the mayor sai d.

Alejandrino said he ordered the arrest of illegal cutters when he assumed as mayor of the town few years ago but the families of the displaced charcoal-makers asked for financial assistance from the local gover nment .

The mayor admitted that the municipal government cannot afford to support the displaced residents.

This prompted local officials, with the assistance of Governor Lilia Pineda, to prioritize peace and order and environmental protection programs, Alejandrino sai d.

“Those are the secrets of Davao for being a progressive city. So we emulate them and implemented the two programs on environment and peace and order,” the mayor said.