PCA calls for moratorium on cutting of coconut trees

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
March 5, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  A moratorium on the issuance of permits to cut coconut trees and the corresponding transport or transshipment clearances except on limited exceptions, has been ordered by Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Oscar Garin.

This was learned from the Coconut Media Service informed that the moratorium will take effect March 10, 2008, pursuant to PCA Board Resolution 02-008.

A transition period prior to the affectivity date has been declared by Administrator Garin and those entitled to the transitory provision will be limited to those with permits approved on or before February 19, 2008.

The implementation of the moratorium is to once and for all arrest the ever increasing and unabated incidence of illegal cutting of coconut trees, Administrator Garin said even as he stressed the need for more strict regulations to stop the illicit practices of unscrupulous coconut lumber traders.

Under the memorandum circular, all issuances of Permit to Cut Coconut Trees (PCCTs) and Transport/Transshipment Clearances (TTCs) are ordered suspended nationwide except on limited exceptions.

Such exemption are those for typhoon-damaged coconut trees in declared typhoon-calamity areas; for trees which pose threat and danger to life, limb and property; for areas duly authorized for conversion; and for personal use of farmer for family housing or animal shed which should not exceed five trees.

The memorandum also restricts the transportation of coconut lumber with the provincial territorial limits only, and with the use of a four wheeler vehicle such as jeepney, pick-up or flatbed and the likes, with maximum hold capacity of two thousand board feet of coconut lumber approximately from 20 coconut trees.