October 22, 2021, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur — “We need more champions,” was the inspired battle cry of Forester Tommy Valdez, National Council President of the SFFI, after the well-attended Sustainable Forest Management Bill Rollout & Consultation Forum for Zamboanga Peninsula Region at Taway, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with The biggest attendance in a rollout yet – almost 100 face to face participants and more than 80 people tuning in through an online meeting platform.
The forum kicked off with OIC-ARD Dante Oporto acknowledging all participants including representatives from the DENR, BARMM-MENRE BASILAN, SFFI, the local media and the Rollout Team led by the Project Leader and SFFI National Council President, Forester Tommy Valdez. FAO-FLEGT coordinator Karl Villegas, immediately followed with an overview presentation and update on the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Programme via Zoom. The presentation highlighted the programme’s objectives, outputs, and future actions.
Forester Valdez made the SFM Bill Rollout presentation with reference to the most pressing concerns and lamenting how the SFM Bill was languishing in Congress. One senator was quoted pushing for the redirection of some DENR program funds to protection areas. It was highlighted that the SFM Bill actually promotes private investments in forestlands in partnership with the Government and concerned community organizations. He ended the presentation, imploring for more support and more champions to push further the passage of the Bill in the Senate. He also acknowledged major partners saying “This would not have been all possible without the generous and continued support of the DENR and the FAO-EU-FLEGT Programme for the Advocacy Towards the Passage of the SFM Bill Project – Phase 2.”
Former CENRO Siocon, Ray Jalandoni of the DENR echoed the SFFI President’s battle cry. “Time is of the essence to push for the Bill. It was enacted way back in 1975 – 46 years and 6 months ago! We are ready for change as we are already in the digital age!” he said.
The manifestations of support for the passage of the Bill were expressed with enthusiasm, coming from those present at the venue.
The Zamboanga Rollout was the last of the face to face fora before the culmination of Phase 2 of the Sustainable Forrest management Advocacy
