Cebu Daily News, NGOs lauded for promoting respect for eco-laws
By Edison delos Angeles
Cebu Daily News
October 13, 2011
Cebu Daily News along with several non-government groups were recognized by the Cebu City Council yesterday in a resolution for their “dedication and active participation” in helping enforce the country’s environmental laws in Cebu.
The paper was cited along with the Philippine Business of Social Progress (PBSP), Kaabag sa Sugbo Foundation and the Kantipla Ecosystem Enhancement and Protection Foundation during the council’s off-site session in barangay Bonbon yesterday.
The council referred to a Cebu Daily News Sept. 29 exclusive story “Trees end up black coal,” which reported how five hectares of a reforestation site in the hinterland barangay Sudlon, Cebu City, were ravaged by illegal tree cutters.
The trees were cut down to be made into charcoal to be sold at P200 per sack in the market.
A father and son were arrested by police after they were caught burning the logs in a pit last Sept. 25. Criminal charges were later filed against them by the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources.
“It just so happened that among all the papers, Cebu Daily News would often publish stories that focus on programs aimed at enforcing laws that protect the environment and resources of Cebu,”said resolution sponsor Councilor Edgardo Labella in the session yesterday.
He was asked by colleagues why the paper was singled out.
In the same resolution, Labella urged the Association of Barangay Councils to “take active steps in crafting a unified environmental law enforcement mechanism by preparing and implementing a tough security plan to protect Cebu City’s forest cover.”
It cited reforestation sites and watershed of the Buhisan Dam, Kotkot-Lusaran Forest Reserve, Sudlon National Park, and neighboring communities planted with indigenous trees like narra and molave found mostly in all 36 mountain barangays of Cebu City.
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