By Leilanie Adriano |Philippine News Agency
LAOAG CITY—The Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) in Ilocos Norte has called on local residents, particularly those living in mountainous areas, to help prevent the occurrence of grassfires this summer.
Estrella “Baby” Sacro, project manager of the Barangay Ranger Officers, on Saturday said there had been grassfire incidents in previous years and this can be avoided with proper precautionary measures when going to the mountains.
In Ilocos Norte, several local government units such as the towns of Piddig and Carasi have been closely monitoring villages and reminded villagers about the impact of grassfire should it hit areas near them.
Sacro said the government has invested so much on the National Greening Program but this is nothing if people continue to destroy denuded mountains.
“We have been conducting a lot tree planting activities while taking care of our remaining forests. We enjoin everyone to observe discipline and respect Mother Nature which nurtures our daily needs,” Sacro said in an interview.
According to the fire officials, nearly 95 percent of all wildfires were caused by human activities.
Sacro advised the people to utilize the farm wastes for animal feeds or convert them into organic fertilizer instead of burning them.
While environment officials have intensified information and education campaigns, fire brigades have been organized in every village to facilitate better coordination with concerned authorities in the event of fire.
For the latest updates about this story, visit the Philippine News Agency website.
