DENR Reactivates Task Force to Combat Deforestation in Eastern Visayas

EASTERN VISAYAS — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas has reactivated a regional task force dedicated to combating deforestation and preserving the area’s critical forest and wildlife resources.

According to Philippines News Agency, Regional Executive Director for DENR Eastern Visayas, the task force is comprised of personnel from various agencies including the Philippine National Police, the Aviation Security Unit, the Philippine Coast Guard, and local environmental offices. The group convened on Wednesday to discuss strategies for conserving the region’s forest cover amid challenges posed by climate change and ongoing environmental degradation. “We are thankful because our partners in law enforcement have been helping the DENR. It’s time for us to work together as one, because we cannot do it alone. Help us strengthen our advocacy on anti-illegal logging,” Claudio stated during the meeting.

The task force’s initial actions will include setting up round-the-clock checkpoints, creating a comprehensive anti-illegal logging database, and ensuring that personnel are well-equipped to enforce environmental laws effectively. The reactivation of the task force is in response to a 2022 report from Forest Foundation Philippines, which highlighted that the Eastern Visayas region has a forest cover totaling 505,796 hectares, primarily located in Samar. This area is noted for containing the largest continuous tracts of lowland rainforest in the Philippines, a vital habitat for diverse species including 38 types of mammals, 215 bird species, and over 1,000 plant species, more than half of which are unique to the region.