The Philippines Has Closed About 178 Sawmills, Mini-Sawmills and Veneer or Plywood Plants

The Philippines has closed about 178 sawmills, mini-sawmills and veneer or plywood plants in Northern Mindanao, Philippines after they failed to renew their licences. The crack down follows approval of Executive Order (EO) No 23, which declares a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests as well as creating an anti-illegal logging task force. From the 263 sawmill operators in the country, only 83 were left and this number is expected to continue to decline as they will soon submit again for the yearly renewal by the end of the year or in the first quarter of 2012. Those applying for licence renewal have to submit proof of their raw materials supplies over a five-year period. Failure to comply will result in closure. The government's department of environment and natural resources has already served closure orders and deployed its field officers to monitor establishments who still continue to operate after being ordered to close down. Source: ttjonline.com