The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has raised its wildfire prevention efforts to maximum alert amid the very strong El Niño that threatens to dry out forests and grasslands that create conditions conducive to fires across the country.
In a news release Friday, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel “Mitch” Cuna said that DENR regional offices have rolled out preventive measures in areas vulnerable to wildfires.
He said forest patrols have been deployed, firelines have been built, and firefighting equipment prepared to prevent fires during the expected dry spell.
“Our decision to deploy dedicated Bantay Gubat patrols and build firelines in high-priority areas reflects our firm commitment to prevent wildfires. We call on all citizens, farmers, and local leaders to observe strict bans on open burning and kaingin (slash-and-burn agriculture),” Cuna said.
In Northern Luzon, DENR Region 1 has deployed Bantay Gubat Forest Protection Officers and park rangers for continuous foot patrols in forest conservation areas, including National Greening Program (NGP) plantations and other protected areas.
The region also maintains firebreaks and 10 ranger stations with lookout towers, as it closely coordinates with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) and local disaster risk reduction offices through a Red Flag Alert System for early warning of forest fires.
DENR Region 5 in Bicol is also preparing firefighting equipment and training park rangers and barangay officials in basic fire response while conducting regular patrols and coordinating with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for additional support.
In Masbate, the DENR provincial office has implemented fire control measures covering 298 hectares of forestland and established a 5,000-meter-by-5-meter fireline in Biga-a and Parina, and an additional 5,000-meter fireline network in Alas, Mandaon.
It has also enforced a strict ban on kaingin and open refuse burning, while pre-positioning firefighting tools, backpack sprayers and water drums in Milagros, Uson and Palanas in coordination with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Mobo.
In Mindanao, DENR Region 11 has temporarily closed Mt. Apo Natural Park to trekking and recreational activities during the peak dry period to prevent human-induced fires and allow the ecosystem to recover.
The region has also intensified patrols to detect fire risks and deter illegal logging.
Joint fire suppression drills have also been conducted with the BFP, local government units and indigenous mountain guides.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Regions 9 and 10 have cleared dry leaves and combustible vegetation around government facilities in Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro, and conducted fire safety inspections with local fire marshals.
Selected DENR personnel have also completed specialized training in forest fire prevention, suppression and management in France and Indonesia.
Quick Response Teams in all regional offices are also on a 24/7 standby to assist local fire authorities in case of wildfires.
Cuna, meanwhile, urged the public to exercise caution in fire-prone areas, emphasizing that protecting forests is a shared responsibility. (PNA)
