MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has placed forest and grassland protection on maximum alert following forecasts of a severe El Niño that heightens the risk of widespread wildfires.
In response, the agency has deployed intensified forest patrols, established defensive firelines, and restricted activities capable of igniting parched vegetation.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna noted that regional offices have implemented comprehensive preemptive measures to counter rising fire hazards across vulnerable ecosystems.
“Our decision to deploy dedicated Bantay Gubat patrols and build firelines in high priority areas reflects our firm commitment to prevent wildfires,” he said.
“We call on all citizens, farmers, and local leaders to observe strict bans on open burning and kaingin.”
As part of these safeguards, high-risk protected areas have been temporarily closed to the public, including the Mt. Apo Natural Park, where leisure activities and trekking were suspended by DENR Region XI to facilitate ecosystem recovery and minimize human-induced fire risks.
Regional divisions nationwide have scaled up their operational readiness:
- Northern Luzon (Region I): Deployed Bantay Gubat rangers for continuous foot patrols across conservation zones and National Greening Program (NGP) plantations, supported by 10 lookout-tower stations and a Red Flag Alert System linked with PAGASA.
- Bicol (Region V): Accelerated patrol frequencies to twice weekly, prepositioned firefighting equipment, and partnered with local government units and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for rapid response training.
- Masbate (PENRO): Constructed extensive fireline networks totaling thousands of meters in Biga-a, Parina, and Mandaon, while positioning water drums and backpack sprayers across multiple municipalities.
- Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro (EMB Regions IX and X): Cleared combustible vegetation and dry leaves around government facilities while conducting joint safety inspections with local fire marshals.
Furthermore, frontline forestry personnel have completed specialized training locally and internationally—including capacity-building programs in Indonesia and France—while 24/7 Quick Response Teams remain on standby across all regional offices to assist local authorities.