MEMBERS of the Provincial Board are mulling over banning oleoresin tapping in all municipalities of Benguet.

Following the manifestation of Benguet Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (BPenro) expressing its opposition of oleoresin tapping, the Provincial Board is set to come out with an ordinance banning extraction of oleoresin, a raw material for the production of oil, varnish, and cosmetics.

Although two resolutions were enacted allowing oleoresin tapping in the municipalities of Bokod and Tuba, Benguet officials are keen on banning such practice in a bid to protect the remaining pine trees in the province.

BPenro head Julius Kollin said a resolution was already crafted back in the 80’s banning the practice but the law needs updating to further protect and conserve pine forests for the present and future generation by banning pine tree resin or oleoresin tapping in the province except in the areas covered under concession ready for logging.

Board Member Jim Botiwey said BPenro urged his fellow officials to re-legislate an ordinance to protect the pine trees.

"I believe Mr. Kollin is trying to recommend that we should not allow harvesting resin in Benguet," said Botiwey.

He added that tapping oleoresin affects the lifespan of trees and prone to fire.

Board Member Florencio Bentrez, for his part, recommended pre-conditions should be imposed, such as planting 10 trees, before tapping oleoresin in one tree.

Botiwey said the passing of an ordinance will help regulate oleoresin tapping in Benguet.