Illegal logging blames for destructive flooding,landslides
While Tropical Typhoon Kristine was moving out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), another typhoon is coming in, and was named Leon.
In the latest update provided by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of Tuesday, October 29, Kristine and Leon have affected nearly two million families, or more than seven million individuals all over the country, of which 950,000 people were temporarily sheltered in evacuation centers or schools.
The Council reported at least 125 people died, and hundreds more are missing. The damage to agriculture was estimated to P2.8 billion, and to infrastructure was P1.5 billion. The damage to crops and fisheries sectors has climbed to P3.40 billion.
Meanwhile, in a statement released by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department will need at least P3.6 billion to reconstruct and repair schools and other learning assets damaged by Kristine and Leon. The loss of learning equipment and materials were not yet included.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) reported that 888 schools were flooded or affected by landslides, while 1,127 schools were used as evacuation centers during the onslaught of Kristine, which brought havoc in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The damaged to lives and properties was enormous, and all are pointing to rampant illegal logging and quarrying in most areas that were severely affected by flooding and landslides. The disaster did not surprise the local government units, because it was expected. It was warned to happen. The people were crying for actions. But many did not listen.
In May 2018, Catanduanes Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento has filed House Resolution No. 1798 seeking to probe on the proliferation of illegal logging activities in Catandanuanes and in other provinces nationwide.
In November 23, 2020, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said all LGUs and PNP units across the country must stop illegal logging and illegal quarrying in their respective areas The widespread flooding in many areas in the country, which some of them experienced such destructive flooding for the first time, should be a wake-up call for all. He also reminded the DENR Memorandum 2011, the LGUs were compelled to reactivate their local Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force and must ensure that no illegal logging, kaingin and other forms of forest destruction” take place in their jurisdiction.
In July 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Bicol (DENR-5) planted a total of 5.6 million seedlings in two years in Bicolandia, and strengthened the cooperation with various law enforcement agencies in the suppression of illegal logging and the cutting of trees, to secure the province from super flooding and landslides.
Hear’s To Watch
Despite all exerted efforts of the government to eradicate illegal logging and the rampant cutting of trees in the mountains, many communities in the country where the recent typhoon poured their rains severely suffered due to sudden flash of flood and landslides.
And the evidences of neglect, disregard of the law, and possible corruption to disregard the well-being of the community, were brought to our eyes! Mother Nature brought down from the mountains the remains of dead trees and logs. The trees that should have hold the soil from breaking. The roots that should have serve as foundations to keep the mountains strong. But instead, they were flashed down and destroyed the houses, the schools, the bridges; killing the love ones, the crops, the animals; and many more.
How many more should suffer? How can we protect our environment? When shall the leaders be brave enough to fight for the protection of our Mother Nature? We only can do ask. And surprisingly, the communities never learn from their mistakes and will vote again these people to power.
