The Puguis communal forest in La Trinidad, Benguet is open for local residents who want to find respite in this pandemic, but visitors are reminded to bring their trash along with them when they leave.
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Arthur Pedro said there has been a steady stream of visitors in the forest specially during weekends.
“There are still those that leave their garbage in the forest especially the bikers who visit the forest according to the rangers assigned there,” Pedro said.
He reminded visitors that repeat offenders will be given citation tickets for improper waste disposals.
Pedro said they have recently put up benches in the area where individuals who go forest bathing and biking in the reservation could rest.
The 48-hectare Puguis communal forest was recently reclaimed by the municipal government after being taken over by illegal claimants for years. Individuals and families are required to log in when visiting the forest.
Big groups are required to coordinate with the Menro for permits prior to conducting any activity inside the forest.
The forest is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Sunday.
Tree planting and caring activities are also regularly done in the area, which was not done in previous years due to the presence of adverse claimants within the reservation.
The municipal government will also install through signages the “Dos and Dont’s” in the forest.
A communal eco-park will soon be established in the forest reserve, for further appreciation and enjoyment of the residents and visitors. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 27, 2024
