Mini eco-park eyed inside communal forest

ESTABLISHMENT of a mini eco-park inside the Puguis Communal Forest in La Trinidad, Benguet is being targeted before the end of 2020.

The local government of La Trinidad will initiate the project and hopes to start the project this December with an initial fund of P500,000 allocated this year for the construction of a tree top walk and manmade cave.

Mayor Romeo Salda said the local government is in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the conservation of the communal forest.

Salda added once the eco-park is established and opened to the public, visitors entering the area will be properly monitored.

"Aside from the health benefits of mini eco-park, it can also generate revenue for the municipality or source of livelihood for the people in the town," added Salda.

Salda said with the joint effort of the local government, DENR and local police, illegal activities inside the communal forest such as burning, cutting of trees and construction were halted.

Various demolition activities were also conducted this year, including the removal of the newly installed fence put up by supposed claimants within the communal forest.

Aside from the mini eco-park, the communal forest is being eyed as training ground of the Philippine National Police.