DENR-8 leads Samar forests preservation
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 8 has called on the public, particularly the people of Samar, to help in the preservation of Samar forests.
Carlito Tuballa, DENR-8 assistant regional director for technical services, issued this appeal following reports of apprehensions of illegally cut timber from some areas of Samar island.
Although the reported apprehensions were small in quantity and deemed negligible, the timber poaching may escalate if ignored, Tuballa told The FREEMAN.
The participation of the public and other stakeholders is crucial in the preservation of the Samar’s forests because the DENR-8 cannot do it alone, he said.
Tuballa said the remaining forests in Samar island has been the habitat of the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), and also the home of various wildlife species, thus they depend on the condition of the area. Tuballa said Samar forests also comprise thousands of water springs and several rivers or waterways, serving as sources of potable water and irrigation for agricultural production.
The destruction of the forests will result in loss or damage of the rich biodiversity, the disappearance of many wildlife species in the island, and the decline of water volume in rivers or waterways that would direly affect food production and potable water source.