GMA's Edict on Protection of E. Samar Forests Lauded; Extensive Damage to Life and Property on Island Noted

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Byline: : LUCINO REBAMONTAN

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar Estehanons (residents of Eastern Samar) reacted with jubilation to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyos decision to declare 333,300 hectares of forestlands in the three Samar provinces as the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) and approximately 124,000 hectares as buffer zone to serve as watershed area.

Proclamation 442, dated Aug. 13, mandates the protection of Samar island's remaining forests in 37 municipalities from the onslaught of slash-and burn kaingeros, mining and logging companies.

The 37 municipalities are San Julian, Arteche, Borongan, Balangkayan, Balangiga, Can-Avid, Dolores, Gen. MacArthur, …