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Photo courtesy of PENRO Rizal
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Calamba City, Laguna – The grass fire incident that
occurred on April 5, 2020 damaged the ten (10) hectare grassland portion of the
National Greening Program Plantation within the 550-hectare property of the
Provincial Government of Rizal. This prompted the Quick Response Team of the
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) - Rizal to
immediately investigate the incident amidst the lockdown.
The
team suspectsnegligence of
people engaged in upland activities, causing the 6-hour grassfire in the area. Patrolling activities are now intensified together with
the local communities, led by the Barangay Officials, the LGU, local fire
protection office and the forest rangers.
According
to Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of Rizal,
Isidro Mercado, the communities should recognize the importance of grassland
for ecosystem succession, soil erosion control and water conservation. He also
mentioned that despite the lockdown, LAWIN patrollers are mobilized for fast
detection and prevention of similar concerns, and the office continuously
conducts public awareness campaigns thru various social media platforms.
DENR
CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Gilbert Gonzales said, “The onset of the
dry season signals heightened alert for similar risk areas. Grass and forest
fires may impact adjacent protected areas and the communities that live nearby,
which may lead to loss of life and property”. He is also calling for stronger
community and LGU cooperation to immediately address these concerns.
DENR
CALABARZON is urging the public to report Environment and Natural
Resources-related concerns via hotline 8888, sms to +639456215007/ +639083340224, email to denr4a.ord@gmail.com , or send photos, videos and other
information viahttps://www.facebook.com/DENR4AOfficial/
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