The Negros Association of Chief Executives yesterday passed a resolution endorsing the proposal of the northern Negros mayors for a moratorium on the cutting of trees for charcoal-making, EB Magalona Mayor David Lacson said yesterday.

Lacson, who chairs the Negros ACE, said the endorsed proposal will be forwarded to Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano said he has been pushing for the moratorium for some time, and the flooding on Jan. 11 again stressed the need for forest protection.

The January 11 heavy rains caused flooding in Bacolod, Talisay, Silay and Victorias cities, and EB Magalona.

Crops, marine products and equipment damaged by the January 11 floods in the northern Negros cities and town totaled P14.8 million, Provincial Agriculturist Igmedio Tabianan said.

Montelibano said the moratorium on cutting of trees for charcoal needs to be implemented in the entire northern Negros to be effective.

“We need to give our forests a rest to let the trees grow, we need them to help prevent floods,” he said.

Lacson said at the Negros ACE meeting the mayors also agreed to come up with counterpart funds whenever they submit project proposals for assistance from the provincial government.*CPG

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