MEMBERS of the Provincial Board of Benguet on Tuesday, August 29, approved the ordinance regulating the extraction of pine tree oleoresin in the whole province.

Proponent Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Mandatory Representative Sario Copas said there is a need to preserve the Benguet pine forests because of its vital role as sinks of atmospheric carbon; contributing to greenhouse effect mitigation; and important sources of numerous useful products, including not only wood cellulose but also non-wood products used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries and bio-refineries.

Oleoresin tapping is the extraction of resin, a sticky liquid and organic substance locally known as "nicket" or "ole."

The resin is used as a raw material for manufacturing cosmetics such as nail polish, and products such as paint, varnish, ink, and spoon.

“The conduct of pine tree oleoresin tapping as a socio economic activity by individual landowners of Benguet. Any local government unit (LGU) or by any judicial entry must be regulated so that tapping activity will be sustainable and not pose danger to pine trees or avoid risks that may cause to Benguet Pine Trees,” Copas added.

Copas, through the ordinance, hoped oleoresin tappers will be guided to protect the environment.

The act seeks to further protect the cultural integrity of the IPs or Indigenous Cultural Communities and their ancestral domain identified for oleoresin extraction activity.

In the recent approved ordinance, oleoresin tappers are require to secure a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and certification precondition by the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP).

An agreement will also be made between project proponent and the IP community. The tappers must be trained and licensed by the DENR including the technology provider.

The allowed diameter breast height for oleresin extraction should not be less than 30 centimeters and the tree must be 30 years old for greater resin yields.

In addition to, the maximum width of chipping should be one centimeter.

Sacred grounds, international heritage sites, critical sites identified by IPs and heritage sites identified by the provincial and municipal local governments in the province are excluded from tapping activities.

At least five healthy seedling, producing untapped trees per hectare, must be left as mother trees.

Penalties imposed for any found violation of the new ordinance include a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding P5, 000 or both imprisonment and fine upon the discretion of the court.