Laoag City (CNN Philippines) — After a series of mountain fires ravaged the eastern part of Ilocos Norte in the last two weeks, the local government units of Piddig and Carasi teamed up to prevent grass fires which causes massive forest fires.
Piddig Mayor Eddie Guillen said that together with Mayor Rene Gaspar of the neighboring town of Carasi, they will conduct education drives in their respective barangays about the prevention of grass fires and protecting the environment.
“We mean business here. It’s not just talking. We need to provide support such as human, equipment and financial resources to prevent these fires,” said Guillen.
Last week, another fire broke out in the mountainous area of the Piddig-Carasi boundary, destroying hundreds of arabica coffee plants and pine trees.
According to Guillen, ant gatherers are the ones causing fire in the mountains yet they are not being punished for their actions.
“This time, there is no reason. We will no longer allow them to do so,” the mayor added.
Because of these incidents, those who climb up the mountains of Piddig and Carasi are now being monitored through a logbook for easier identification in case another forest fire breaks out.
