Ifugao woodcarvers exempted from total log ban

Ifugao woodcarvers are exempted from the government's total log ban. That means they can cut trees and transport wood products freely. The memorandum for exemption has been signed by Pres. Aquino III through Exec. Sec. Paquito Ochoa on January 9, 2013 upon the request of two woodcarver organizations: the Hungduan Woodworks & Handicrafts Cooperative and the Philippine - Ifugao Woodcarvers & Wood-based Industries Development Association.

Ifugao woodcarvers earlier sought the help of Rep. Teodoro Baguilat, Jr. requesting the government for an exemption of the total log ban as wood carving is their source of income. Ifugao Gov. Eugene Balitang said that woodworkers should comply with the rules stipulated in the memorandum. "With the trust and confidence that the national government has given us, let us honor our part of the bargain, that is, preserving and conserving our 'muyung' (forest)," Balitang said.

 

Reference:

Dumlao, A. A. (2013). Ifugao woodcarvers exempted from log ban. Philippine Star. Date released: February 28, 2013.