Davao Oriental, Philippines: Mangroves cut for Christmas trees
F. Zuasol
Philippine Daily Inquirer - Mindanao Bureau
November 20, 2003
MATI, Davao Oriental - With Christmas about a month away, some residents along the coastal barangays of Pujada Bay have started cutting mangroves to turn them into Christmas trees.
David Pajarillaga of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) called on the local media to help inform residents that the cutting of mangroves is a criminal offense.
"We are destroying the habitat of fishes because mangrove trees serve as their sanctuary," he said.
Pajarillaga also criticized teachers of public elementary schools for requiring students to bring mangroves to be used as Christmas trees.
F. Zuasol
Philippine Daily Inquirer - Mindanao Bureau
November 20, 2003
MATI, Davao Oriental - With Christmas about a month away, some residents along the coastal barangays of Pujada Bay have started cutting mangroves to turn them into Christmas trees.
David Pajarillaga of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) called on the local media to help inform residents that the cutting of mangroves is a criminal offense.
"We are destroying the habitat of fishes because mangrove trees serve as their sanctuary," he said.
Pajarillaga also criticized teachers of public elementary schools for requiring students to bring mangroves to be used as Christmas trees.
