Dear Editor,
I am a concessionaire operating in the forest sector. Like many others in the agriculture business, including cash crop farmers, the loggers were equally affected by the COVID pandemic and the inclement weather that produced widespread flooding. These adversities had a crushing impact on our ability to function optimally, resulting in a dramatic decline in log harvesting. The repercussions derived from this unfortunate situation generated a number of financial woes that had an effect on the quality of our lives.
I was immensely happy to witness the government displaying great generosity and human compassion towards persons devastated by the pandemic and floods. However, I wish to remind our leaders that forestry also falls within the ambit of agriculture, and we were anxiously looking forward to the same solicitude and sympathy for the tremendous losses we incurred. Not to be forgotten, too, is the fact that our export trade was also effectively stymied.
The pandemic stifled and stagnated our operations. This debilitating factor was further exacerbated by the flooding conditions that made our work dangerous and difficult. It never ceased to baffle us why we were off the government’s radar screen when deliberations were underway for cash relief. I hope we were inadvertently, and not intentionally, omitted as deserving beneficiaries of the relief initiative that was extended so munificently to others. But it is not too late. We are still reeling from the aftermath of the harsh realities that nearly crippled our effort to make a livelihood in the forest industry. We are therefore making this special plea to the Ministry of Agriculture to review the cash relief policy with the aim of including the loggers in their consideration.
We, too, contribute significantly to the growth of the country’s economy, but without adequate government support in times of need, we will be severely handicapped and impeded in making any valuable input for national development. I wish to express thanks and appreciation in anticipation of the government’s urgent response in this matter.
Sincerely,
(Name and Address Withheld)
