The Philippines is expanding its campaign against illegal loggers and widening efforts to reforest the country.
President Gloria Arroyo reaffirmed her support for the campaign, a day after 42 former and current governors were named as having protected illegal logging activities in their respective areas.
Four groups of large-scale illegal loggers were also revealed, including 10 top offenders who have already been charged. The government plans to act “promptly” on complaints of illegal felling activities.
President Arroyo plans to distribute 10 million paulownia tree seeds on February 14 as her Valentine’s Day gift to the nation. The seeds are the first in a 100 million seed order from China.
Paulownia trees take 8 to 10 years to mature and can produce up to 1m3 of timber. The lightweight wood is suitable for the manufacture of furniture, plywood, mouldings and doors.
