On November 20, 2025, a forest fire spread across the mountains of Barangay San Gonzalo in Labrador, Pangasinan, burning for nearly 19 hours before responders were able to bring the blaze under control. According to the Labrador Fire Station, the fire began around 10 a.m. in a remote forested area far from residential zones, which helped prevent damage to homes.

SFO3 Ricky Saringan stated that this is not the first fire recorded in the same location. Based on accounts from forest watchers (bantay gubat), the incidents may be tied to illegal hunters, who are believed to cause or trigger fires during their activities. Authorities are now investigating and monitoring the site closely, warning that those found responsible will face appropriate penalties. GMA News Reference

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The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) Philippines
Official Statement on the November 20, 2025 Forest Fire in Pangasinan

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) Philippines expresses profound concern over the forest fire that struck the mountains of Barangay San Gonzalo in Labrador, Pangasinan. Forest ecosystems are vital guardians of biodiversity, climate stability, and watershed integrity, and any large-scale destruction—especially those linked to illegal practices—poses an alarming threat to the environment and surrounding communities.

This incident reflects a broader challenge faced by the Philippines: the continued vulnerability of forests to irresponsible human activities such as illegal hunting, land clearing, and unmanaged fires. Each blaze destroys more than trees—it disrupts habitats, accelerates soil erosion, weakens water sources, and undermines the ecological balance that sustains lives, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.

TIES Philippines strongly condemns all acts, intentional or negligent, that result in forest degradation. We urge authorities to pursue a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable. Environmental crimes must be met with firm enforcement to deter future violations and to safeguard the country’s remaining forest landscapes.

We also recognize and commend the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), local firefighters, forest watchers, and community volunteers who worked tirelessly for nearly a full day to contain the blaze. Their dedication underscores the critical need to strengthen the capacity, training, equipment, and protection of frontline environmental defenders who face these hazards firsthand.

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Moving forward, TIES Philippines calls for:

• Stronger implementation of forest protection laws and anti-poaching measures
• Enhanced surveillance and early fire-detection systems in high-risk forest areas
• Greater investments in community-based forest management, including sustained ranger support
• Restoration and rehabilitation of affected forest zones, prioritizing native species and watershed stability
• Expanded environmental education and awareness campaigns to discourage harmful activities and promote responsible forest stewardship

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The protection of Philippine forests is central to climate resilience, sustainable tourism, and the well-being of present and future generations. TIES Philippines remains committed to working with government partners, local communities, conservation organizations, and international stakeholders to advance responsible stewardship and long-term forest conservation.

For the sake of our forests and the communities that depend on them, we call for collective vigilance, stronger enforcement, and unified action to prevent incidents like this from happening again.

Credits :

• GMA NEWS – https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/111529/forest-fire-in-labrador-burns-for-19-hours
• Photo courtesy: Russel Uson Quijana

Date Posted: November 23, 2025