This is in relation to the news report “Boycott of veggies grown in mossy forests launched” written by Vincent Cabreza and EV Espiritu. (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 6/6/08) This may be a delayed feedback, but I have to shed light on the issue.
First, I was never interviewed personally or by phone by Cabreza or Espiritu regarding this particular topic, although I received a text message from Espiritu that Cabreza wanted to interview me.
Second, I am not a curator of the Kabayan Museum nor connected with the agency.
Third, I am not the original sender of the text message I forwarded to Espiritu. The message was sent to me (FF SMS) by an environmental advocate. I relayed the message to friends as far as Baguio City. “FF SMS” does not necessarily identify the original sender. The sender of the “FF SMS,” who does not want to be identified at this point, claims that the message did not originate from him.
And lastly, I was never informed beforehand that Espiritu and Cabreza would make a news report out of this concern. Neither did I give my consent to the writing of the news report with my name as the core player.
We are blessed that press freedom is upheld in the country, where journalists carry out their professional ethics remarkably. I acknowledged the apology of the author, sent through a text message, and I trust it will not cause trouble for ordinary citizens again. However, I would like to commend the author for being so concerned with the destruction of mossy forests.
I fully support the efforts to conserve and protect mossy forests particularly the one in Kabayan. Mossy forests are the lungs of the earth. The mossy forest inside Mt. Pulag National Park in Kabayan is a protected area and is the last frontier of the Cordilleras. I am drawn into environmental advocacy to educate my people as to the value of mossy forests. It may be a simple and modest effort but I hope it will contribute to the resolution of the world ecology crisis.
As a final point, I wish to inform my town mates and all the communities mentioned in the news report that I am not boycotting their livelihood, source of income, occupation, trade, resources, business, employment, industry and the like. I understand the circumstances they’re in because I grew up and live in the area. I just would like to warn those in the farming industry in these particular areas that there has to be a sense of balance and proper farm management so that we do not destroy the mossy forests.
KENNETH WALLACE KELCHO (via email)
* * *
We regret that the story has put Mr. Kelcho in a bind. Kelcho, an environmental crusader, was the man who alerted us to the story, which we wrote in good faith. He sent us the text message without telling us that it was “a forwarded message.” Neither did he clarify this detail by text or through a telephone call when we tried to contact him days before setting the story on paper. We did get in touch with other activists in the area and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which is aware and is supportive of the campaign.
VINCENT CABREZA, Inquirer Northern Luzon
