“Bilib nak dituy Tanudan ta talaga nga istrikto kayo”: BM Donaal praises town’s tough stand vs. illegal logging

TANUDAN, Kalinga — Provincial Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal praised Tanudan’s strict campaign against illegal logging, citing the municipality’s enforcement efforts and local legislation aimed at protecting its forest resources.

“Bilib nak dituy Tanudan ta talaga nga istrikto kayu iti illegal logging, ta uray sibilyan ket mabalin nga agtiliw gayam dituy iti illegal loggers,” Donaal said during the culmination of the Season of Creation and the provincial kick-off of Indigenous Peoples’ Month 2026 on October 10 in Barangay Taloctoc, Tanudan.

Tanudan has recorded several anti-illegal logging operations in recent years, including the confiscation of illegally cut Narra lumber and the arrest of suspected illegal loggers.

In March 2025, authorities recovered Narra flitches worth ₱520,165 in Dupligan, Tanudan, during an operation involving the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government officials and uniformed personnel.

In August 2023, six men from Quirino province were arrested in Sitio Anago, Barangay Mabaca, for allegedly hauling illegally cut Narra lumber. Authorities confiscated 129.98 board feet of lumber valued at ₱64,990, and a case was filed for violation of the Revised Forestry Code.

These incidents underscore the continuing enforcement challenges facing the municipality as authorities work to prevent the illegal cutting and transport of forest products.

Donaal also expressed pride in Tanudan’s local legislative body, particularly its efforts to craft ordinances intended to protect the environment.

“Kinaagpaysu na very proud nak iti Tanudan, as chairman on the committee on rules. Maysa nga kaadwan nga ordinansya nga mangpanpanday iti linteg iti amamin nga munisipyo iti Kalinga ngay ket Tanudan… talaga nga nagaget dagiti legislative tayu iti Tanudannakarkaru iti paglintegan gapu pangprotektar iti aglawlaw,” he said.

He recognized the role of local legislation in providing a policy framework for environmental protection and supporting enforcement efforts against activities that threaten natural resources.

Meanwhile, the Kalinga Police Provincial Office reported 19 anti-illegal logging operations across the province in the third quarter of 2026. These resulted in the recovery of 3,172.58 board feet of illegally cut lumber valued at ₱262,371.20 and the arrest of one person. The figures cover Kalinga province and were not identified as Tanudan-specific.

Donaal’s remarks came as Tanudan hosted provincial activities highlighting the relationship between environmental protection and Indigenous cultural heritage.

His message emphasized the importance of sustaining local government efforts, enforcing environmental laws and protecting forests for future generations.