The Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) Offices of Guimbal, Iloilo and Cadiz City, Negros Occidental signed Letters of Agreement (LOA) with People’s Organizations (POs) on February 21, 2024 concerning the implementation of the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) in their areas of jurisdiction.

The said endeavours aim to strengthen the partnership between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and  POs in the execution of the ENGP, one of the major programs of the agency.

CENRO Guimbal signed a LOA with the Katilingban sang Pumuluyo nga naga-Atipan sa Watershed sang Maasin (KAPAWA-Maasin, Inc.) for the implementation of ENGP at the Municipality of Maasin, Iloilo. The signing ceremony was graced by Supervising Ecosystems Management Specialist (SVEMS) Jose Ronie Esposado, PO President Rubenie Castellanes, and Treasurer Romeo Capilitan.

The agreement encompasses the maintenance and protection of CY 2022 established plantations at Brgys. Bolo and Nagba and the CY 2024 new plantation at Brgy. Trangka in Maasin, Iloilo. This year’s plantation covers an area of 107 hectares, of which 68.0 ha are for Bamboo and 39.0 ha are for Coffee.

Meanwhile, seven (7) POs under the jurisdiction of CENRO Cadiz and Northern Negros National Park (NNNP) also signed a LOA with DENR through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Negros Occidental under the leadership of PENR Officer and NNNP Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya. The agreement was also done in close coordination with CENRO Cadiz, NNNP, and CENRO Cadiz and PENRO Negros Occidental ENGP.

The people’s organizations are the Celestino Villacin Farmers Association (CVFA), Barangay Celestino Villacin Vegetable Farmers Association (BCVVFA), Minapasuk Small Water Irrigation System Association (MSWISA), Marcello Farmers Association (MAFA), Calapnusan Small Water Irrigation System Association (CSWISA), Bagonbon Environmental Development Association (BEDA), and Bagonbon Small Farmers Association (BASFA).

Also present at the signing ceremony were CENR Officer Mamad T. Gandarosa Jr., TSD Chief Catherine Balasa, OPCEN Head/SVEMS Ma. Gina Gerangaya, Provincial ENGP Coordinator Cecil Cañada, CENRO Cadiz RPS Chief Perpetou John Odango, and Forest Extension Officers.

“Community engagement is vital to ensure the success of any undertaking and DENR 6 will always be willing to partner-up with different people’s organizations in the implementation of ENGP,” Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said.

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Regional Releases
Published: 26 February 2024