Wood materials needed for the construction of facilities for coronavirus cases and transport of goods will be exempted from the government’s suspension on the transfer of forest products and wildlife nationwide.
“Transport of wood pallets, boxes, and crates is not subject to any transport permit or document from the DENR,” DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu was quoted in a statement.
“Considering that these wood-based forest products are used for the transport of food products that are basic requirements during this time of crisis, movement of these should not be restricted,” Cimatu added.
Under DENR Administrative Order No. 1994-07 or the Revised Guidelines Governing the Issuance of Certificate of Origin of Logs, Lumber, and Non-Timber Forest Products, a delivery receipt and tally sheet will be enough for the transport of these products.
Only wood materials from legitimate wood processing plants are exempted from the said suspension.
Cimatu issued a separate memorandum suspending the “acceptance, processing, and issuance of all transport-related permits or documents for all forest products and wildlife,” excluding the permit to transport confiscated lumber that will be used for the construction of COVID-19 facilities.
“The DENR supports the continuing and earnest work of the government to limit the movement of people and non-priority products at this time, and prevent the further spread of the virus,” Cimatu said.