About two million jobs will be saved by the Philippines’ decision to lift a logging ban across three regions, says the department of environment and natural resources (DENR).
DENR secretary Michael Defensor said president Gloria Arroyo’s decision to lift the ban in Region 9, Region 11 and Caraga would also save P20bn in timber import bills.
The president said allowing selective logging in the regions would maintain jobs, as poor people without alternative employment were suffering from the ban.
Mr Defensor also said lifting the ban in Region 11 and Caraga was due to good rainfall helping forest growth.
