To further strengthen the collaboration between national government agencies (NGAs) and the local government unit (LGUs) in the implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and policies for the sustainable protection and conservation of our remaining natural resources, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10, through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Manolo Fortich inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the LGU of Malitbog, Bukidnon during the conduct of Municipal-wide Chainsaw Holders Forum on October 12, 2023 at Malitbog Cultural Center, Malitbog, Bukidnon.

The agreement was signed between Regional Executive Director (RED) Henry A. Adornado representing the DENR and Hon. Mayor Gary D. Casiño representing the Municipality of Malitbog, Bukidnon.

The MOA defines the roles and responsibilities of the DENR and LGU for the effective and efficient management of the environment and natural resources (ENR) specifically in the issuance of cutting and transport permits as well as the regulation of the chainsaw registration in the area.

RED Adornado said the department supports and is not against any development and harvesting of planted forest products instead, urged chainsaw permit holders to be proactive and responsible chainsaw owners to abide the existing ENR regulations and policies to avoid violations leading to the filing of cases, confiscation and penalties.

RED Adornado stressed and enumerated important provisions and violations as provided by Republic Act 9175 (Regulating the Ownership, Possession, Sale, Importation and Use of Chainsaws, Penalizing Violations Thereof and for Other Purposes).

He suggested to the Sangguniang Bayan of Malitbog that they can come up with additional policies pertaining to environmental protection and implementation of Republic Act 9175 based on the conduct of this Municipal-wide Chainsaw Holders Forum.

RED Adornado also lauded Mayor Casiño for the all-out support for the conduct of the forum particularly the signing of the MOA under the Department’s Tayo Ang Kalikasan a movement that envisioned to be a collaborative effort of the government, through DENR, and its citizens toward the protection of the country's natural resources.

Hon. Mayor Casiño likewise thanked RED Adornado, Bukidnon Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Vergilino Alima, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Manolo Fortich OIC, CENR Officer Daniel Somera and other DENR personnel for being very supportive to LGU-Malitbog.

Witnessing the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement are Hon. Vice Mayor Catherine D. Arguelles, PENR Officer Vergilino P. Alima and CENR Officer Daniel F. Somera other municipal officials and employees, chainsaw permit holders, private individuals, concerned residents and various stakeholders from the said municipality. (RSCIG MR # 10-285-2023) #TayoAngKalikasan (Photo and report courtesy of CENRO Manolo Fortich)