(Photo courtesy of DENR)
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has placed its forest protection operations on maximum alert as a very strong El Niño threatens to increase the risk of wildfires across the country.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel “Mitch” Cuna said Friday that regional offices have intensified forest patrols, established firebreaks and prepared firefighting equipment to protect forests, grasslands and conservation areas from prolonged dry conditions.
“Our decision to deploy dedicated Bantay Gubat patrols and build firelines in high-priority areas reflects our firm commitment to prevent wildfires. We call on all citizens, farmers, and local leaders to observe strict bans on open burning and kaingin (slash-and-burn agriculture),” Cuna said.
In Northern Luzon, DENR Region 1 has deployed Bantay Gubat Forest Protection Officers and park rangers to conduct continuous foot patrols in protected areas and National Greening Program plantations.
The regional office is also maintaining firebreaks and 10 ranger stations equipped with lookout towers to strengthen wildfire detection and prevention.
Authorities are coordinating with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and local disaster risk reduction offices through a Red Flag Alert System to provide early warnings of potential forest fires.
In the Bicol Region, DENR personnel are preparing firefighting equipment and training park rangers and barangay officials in basic fire response.
The agency is also coordinating with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
In Masbate, fire control measures have been implemented across 298 hectares of forestland.
These include a 5,000-meter-long, five-meter-wide fireline in Biga-a and Parina, along with another 5,000-meter fireline network in Alas, Mandaon.
The DENR has also prohibited kaingin and open burning of waste while positioning firefighting tools, backpack sprayers and water drums in Milagros, Uson and Palanas.
These measures are being carried out in coordination with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Mobo.
Meanwhile, DENR Region 11 has temporarily suspended trekking and recreational activities at Mount Apo Natural Park during the peak dry period to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and allow the ecosystem to recover.
Forest patrols have also been intensified to identify fire hazards and prevent illegal logging.
Joint fire suppression exercises have been conducted with the BFP, local government units and indigenous mountain guides to improve preparedness.
In Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau has cleared dry leaves and other combustible vegetation around government facilities in Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro.
Fire safety inspections have also been conducted in coordination with local fire marshals.
To strengthen its firefighting capabilities, the DENR said selected personnel have undergone specialized training in forest fire prevention, suppression and management in France and Indonesia.
Quick Response Teams across all DENR regional offices have likewise been placed on 24-hour standby to assist local fire authorities in responding to wildfire incidents.
Cuna urged the public, particularly residents and farmers in fire-prone communities, to avoid activities that could ignite forest fires.
He emphasized that protecting forests and preventing environmental damage require cooperation among government agencies, local communities and the public.
The DENR said it will continue monitoring high-risk areas and implementing preventive measures as the country braces for prolonged dry conditions associated with El Niño.
