Forest Management Bureau Director Ricardo Calderon explains the critical role of forests in providing livelihood support to more than 1.6 billion people on earth, serving as home to more than 80% of terrestrial species of plants and animals, including insects, and in mitigating climate change.  Calderon likewise stressed during the Monday flag ceremony, which coincided with the celebration of International Day of Forests (IFD), of the need to continue with the rehabilitation of open, denuded and degraded forestlands, covering around 7.1 million hectares, as envisioned in Executive Order No. 193 issued by President Aquino.  This year’s IDF theme is ‘Celebrating Forests and Water’. ###