DESTRUCTION

Not everything is "swell" in paradise. Every rose has its thorn. And ours is the rampant destruction of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

Illegal logging has been thriving despite constant warnings from the local government of Canlaon City and NGOs. Why? Because it is a profitable business and Philippine mahogany commands a good price in the black market. Also wood is needed for shelter for the highland farmers who cannot afford to buy gemelina or cocolumber to make their house.

I have done my best to be an advocate for the environment but it usually falls on deaf ears. Survival, whether it be legal or illegal has always been the main reason why people do this. And command votes during election has always interpreted the outcome.

I did not want to blog about this because it is a sensitive issue and also it will not give a good image to my hometown. This year a forest ranger was killed for reasons unknown. I have talked to officials of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park and sad to say they do not have enough personnel to man every square meter of the 24,588 hectare park.

Another option for me is to talk to the Hari ng Negros organization in their next general meeting and to convince them to make this their battlecry - to save Mt. Kanlaon and paradise.

This tree is ready to fall.

Residue.

More residue.

Illegal loggers sensed we were approaching and took cover.

This tree has been earmarked for destruction.

More residue.

Newly cut.

The dissection starts.

If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears.