The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro)-Benguet is appealing to those who will implement development projects to seek permits from concerned government offices.
The appeal came after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Buguias halted the construction of the road going to Tacadang, Kibungan because of some violations.
Penro-Benguet Edgardo Flor said the stoppage order was issued to the contractor and to the Department of Public Works and Highways because of indiscriminate dumping of soil, cutting of trees without permits, and the destruction of part of the mossy forest in the area.
Flor said the development was issued with Environmental Compliance Certificate and a tree cutting permit was approved covering 22 various trees that were replaced with 2,200 Benguet Pine Seedlings.
Based on the investigation of the office, 50 fully grown pine trees were cut, excluding the saplings.
Flor said the project may push through once the requirements are complied with for the benefit the residents of Kibungan. – PIA Benguet
