Apayao is sole province in Cordillera with no fire incidence - BFP

Tabuk City, Philippines – The environmental initiatives of the people of Apayao are keeping their forest safe from wildfires amid the El Niño weather phenomenon.

The practice of "lapat," a local term meaning "to prohibit" or "regulate" the excessive use of natural resources, includes the protection, management, and preservation of the environment, particularly forests, minerals, wildlife, and water resources, according to the Hydro Empowerment Network. This system has contributed to the maintenance of the locality's biodiversity.

Apayao remains the only province with no recorded fires as of yet from January 1 up to the first week of March 2024.

During this period, the Bureau of Fire Protection – Cordillera logged 86 forest fires in the region, which is higher than the same period last year.

Of this figure, 43 forest fires occurred in Benguet, comprising 15 grass fires, 13 structural fires, three rubbish fires, and one electrical fire.

Mt. Province recorded a total of 32 forest fires, including 15 grass fires, five structural fires, one rubbish fire, and one vehicular fire.

The province of Abra reported a total of seven forest fires, including one grass fire and four structural fires.

Baguio City witnessed four forest fires, consisting of nine grass fires, eight structural fires, and one vehicular fire.

In Kalinga, there were two structural fires and one agricultural fire, while Ifugao experienced one agricultural fire and one structural fire.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also noted that the total damages from the fires in the entire region amounted to P9,487,620.

Last week, Congressman Eric Go Yap of Benguet introduced House Resolution No. 1603, seeking clarification on how government agencies are addressing such disasters.