Department of Agriculture bans coco tree-cutting in Albay
By Kristine L. Alave, Philippine Daily Inquirer
January 30, 2012

 MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Agriculture (DA) has prohibited the cutting of coconut trees in Albay to boost the province’s resilience against typhoons and other weather-related calamities.

In his visit to the province last week, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said he had ordered a stop to the cutting of coconut trees in the province following a request by Gov. Joey Salceda.

Salceda had warned that the uncontrolled cutting of coconut trees could trigger landslides and flooding in low-lying villages in the province.

Albay, which faces the Pacific Ocean, is on the path of many typhoons that hit the Philippines. The province is also prone to heavy monsoon rains.

Following consultations with local officials, Alcala ordered Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Euclides Forbes and PCA Bicol Regional Director Eduardo Allorde to stop issuing permits to cut coconut trees beginning Jan. 30.

Cut coconut trees are normally used for lumber.

Albay is one of the country’s top coconut-producing provinces. It is one of 12 provinces that will be prioritized as beneficiaries of the coco levy funds once they are ordered released by the Supreme Court to the government.

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