SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) – – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources called for community vigilance to prevent forest fires especially that summer months have come.
Joining the campaign of the Bureau of Fire Protection on fire prevention, Information Officer Joery Ocson of DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Belison, Antique in an interview said that they are stepping up the construction of fire lines and patrol works in the sites of the National Greening Program (NGP).
“We count much on the support of barangay officials and residents in upland communities to help the protection of forest areas”, said Ocson.
Ocson also gave the following tips:
– Upland dwellers are reminded not to throw cigarette butts or any flammable objects in the grassland. They could ignite a fire that could burn a plantation and damage the habitat of animals and plants.
– Torches used at night when thrown into the wild could also start a fire, better if it is put off in safe area away from the withered leaves and grasses.
– Farmers are also restrained from burning their forest land for pasture of livestock or kaingin farming. They do more hurt in the environment especially to the natural regeneration of plants.
Under Project LAWIN (Landscape Wildlife Indicators) and Biodiversity Protection System, DENR is intensifying its forest patrolling system to monitor movement of wildlife and other activities in Antique’s biodiversity areas. said Ocson.
An Information campaign is also conducted in barangays to increase awareness of people of their role to conserve and protect the environment. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
