The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 has donated over 78,000 board feet of lumber, valued at P4.6 million, to support the reconstruction efforts in Batanes and Cagayan provinces, both of which were devastated by recent typhoons.
A total of 63,260.62 board feet of lumber was sent to Batanes for rebuilding homes in the typhoon-stricken municipalities of Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang, and Uyugan. The materials are aimed at aiding the repair and construction of houses damaged by Typhoon Julian. In addition, more than 1,000 pieces of lumber, amounting to 14,879.92 board feet, were provided to the Department of Education (DepEd) for the restoration of schools in the Second District of Cagayan, which also faced severe damage from Typhoon Marce.
The wood materials were sourced from confiscated forest products and turned-over logs, which are now under the custody of DENR in various provinces, including Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and others. According to DENR Region 2 regional executive director Gwendolyn Bambalan, the timber donation was a collective effort involving the Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Navy and Air Force, Philippine National Police, and local agencies such as the Police Mobile Force and Bureau of Fire Protection.
Environment secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga praised the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of a whole-of-government approach to disaster recovery. “Despite the challenges posed by successive typhoons, we were able to mobilize our resources and work with our partners to provide much-needed aid,” said Loyzaga.
The formal deed of donation is expected to be signed with Batanes governor Marilou Cayco and DepEd regional director Benjamin Paragas in separate ceremonies soon.
