TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has inaugurated a new storage facility in the town of Almeria, Biliran, aimed at strengthening the government’s campaign against illegal logging and ensuring the proper safekeeping of confiscated forest products.
The facility, completed by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Biliran (PENRO-Biliran), will serve as a secure holding area for seized timber, logs, and other forest products, as well as machinery, tools, equipment, and vehicles used in illegal logging operations.
The project is part of the implementation of DENR Memorandum Order No. 2023-02, which requires DENR field offices nationwide to establish designated storage areas to improve accountability and management of confiscated items linked to forest law violations.
Officials from the DENR regional and provincial offices led the blessing and inauguration of the facility, highlighting its role in strengthening forest protection efforts in Biliran and nearby areas.
Among those present were DENR-8 Regional Executive Director Arturo Salazar, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Angelito Villanueva, Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Dario Suarez, and Biliran PENR Officer Elmer Labaclado.
Salazar expressed gratitude to local stakeholders who supported the project, noting that the facility reflects stronger cooperation between national agencies and local communities in protecting the region’s natural resources.
Almeria Mayor Maria Sale also welcomed the project, reaffirming the local government’s commitment to support DENR programs aimed at environmental protection and sustainable management of forests.
Biliran Police Provincial Director Erwin Portillo likewise pledged the continued backing of the Philippine National Police in efforts to curb illegal logging and help safeguard the province’s remaining forest resources.
DENR officials said the new storage facility is expected to improve the handling, documentation, and safekeeping of seized forest products, strengthening enforcement operations against illegal logging in Biliran province.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
