ILOILO – In response to several incidents of forest fires, particularly in the mountains that are popular tourist destinations in this province, the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) is urging the public, especially hikers, to avoid campfires and to limit any burning activities.
This caution is especially pertinent now, given the current hot weather conditions and strong winds. The advisory follows reports of forest and grass fires in the towns of Igbaras, Tubungan, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin.
Mitzi Peñaflorida, a senior environmental management specialist at PGENRO, highlighted the ongoing efforts to remind communities in upland areas to curtail burning activities and charcoal production this month, attributing the rapid spread of fires to dry leaves and grass.
“We earnestly remind them to minimize burning activities, and if it is unavoidable, to ensure that it is closely monitored and completely extinguished before leaving the area,” Peñaflorida told Panay News.
For hikers, Peñaflorida specifically requests the prohibition of campfires on mountains, noting the difficulty for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to access these areas, which are particularly dry at this time.
She also pointed out existing laws against burning leaves and waste, emphasizing that local government units (LGUs) have the authority to strictly enforce these regulations, including the Anti-Burning Law as outlined in Section 48, Paragraph 3 of the Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
Violators risk imprisonment ranging from one to 15 days and fines between P300 to P1,000, given the health hazards posed by the release of toxins from burning waste and leaves.
“Responsibility falls on everyone, and LGUs at both the town and barangay levels are expected to strictly enforce these laws,” Peñaflorida added.
She underscored the critical role of LGUs in monitoring the entry and exit of individuals, especially hikers, into their forests and mountains, which are renowned tourist attractions.
“Fires do not discriminate by place or season; they become more prevalent during summer due to negligence. The surroundings are dry and more prone to catching fire,” she explained.
Peñaflorida suggested that ideally, LGUs and barangay officials should employ personnel to monitor their mountains, especially those frequented by tourists, to prevent fire incidents.
If direct hiring is not feasible, deploying barangay watchmen to patrol the areas could serve as a deterrent against burning and littering, especially of cigarette butts, if individuals know they are being watched and regulations are enforced.
PGENRO data indicate that the towns of Igbaras, Tubungan, Miag-ao, and Leon are popular hiking destinations, especially on weekends. During the Lenten season, nearly all towns designate a mountain as a pilgrimage site.
Peñaflorida said the occurrence of grass and forest fires will be a key agenda item during her meeting with Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers (MENROs) today.
The discussion will also cover potential actions for LGUs in fire-affected areas and reforestation efforts to counteract continuous deforestation. Reforestation initiatives will give priority to native, fast-growing trees suitable for the local environment.
The recent fire on Mt. Napulak in Igbaras, which caused concern among many, especially hikers, affected approximately 11 to 16 hectares and is believed to have been started by a cigarette butt or charcoal.
Mayor Juvic Escorpion has reassured that trekking and hiking in the area remain safe and permitted, as the trails leading to the peak of Mt. Napulak were not impacted.
The CENRO/DENR has recommended that the LGU of Igbaras appoint a guardian for the area to monitor and advise hikers and other individuals against burning, charcoal production, and littering of cigarette butts./PN
