Photo courtesy of Ulot Watershed Model Forest.
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas promoted charcoal briquetting as an alternative to reduce illegal timber cutting in the region.
Regional Director Arturo Salazar said the initiative targeted communities that relied on traditional charcoal production, which has been linked to forest degradation.
He said the use of agricultural byproducts such as coconut husks, shells, bamboo, and rice hulls offered a sustainable source of fuel while easing pressure on forest resources.
The project was being piloted in the Ulot Watershed Model Forest in Paranas, Samar, with plans to expand the use of briquetting machines in other areas.
Salazar said rising prices of liquefied petroleum gas have pushed some households to shift to firewood, contributing to an increase in unauthorized charcoal production.
He said field personnel were directed to strengthen monitoring efforts in forest areas to prevent timber poaching, adding that charcoal production remains allowed only when sourced from designated firewood zones.
Assistant Regional Director Angelito Villanueva said the initiative formed part of a Php 5 million project supported by the Canadian government.
He added that the program, launched last year, also focused on community training and the establishment of a nature school in the watershed, drawing from practices promoted by the International Model Forest Network.