The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX turned over more than 7,500 board feet of lumber to the municipalities of Glan and Malapatan on 17 July to help families affected by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake rebuild.

Under separate deeds of donation accepted by local chief executives, the municipality of Glan received 5,518.75 board feet of lumber, while the municipality of Malapatan received 2,000 board feet.

The donated timber — consisting of narra, mahogany, lauan and gmelina — was sourced from confiscated forest products and government-turned-over timber. The materials will be used to reconstruct homes for families with limited means to recover from the disaster.

Dr. Heracleo M. Calasang Jr., representing DENR Region IX OIC executive director Marie Angelique C. Go, spearheaded the turnover in coordination with DENR Region XII, represented by Atty. Florencio C. Amago Jr.

Also participating were Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Sarangani officials led by OIC PENR officer Joy C. Ologuin, Park Operations superintendent Cirilo A. Lagnason Jr., and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Glan led by Forester Franklin M. Lebrilla.