Political and religious leaders in the Philippines have called on the government to lift the nationwide logging ban.
The leaders, including several mayors and archbishops, said the forestry/timber industry provided jobs for thousands of people and helped to develop communities which do not benefit from government assistance.
Aurora Enerio Cerilles, governor of Zamboanga del Sur, said Sirawi Plywood & Lumber Corp and Sodaco Agricultural Corporation, part of the Dacon group of companies, had contributed towards peace and order in the region.
Zamboanga city mayor Cesar Lobregat urged government leaders to visit areas managed by Dacon companies to see how they manage government leased land.
