After initial meetings with Sagay City Water District, site visit and assessment, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing was done for the adoption and enhancement of the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) site at Sitio Manara, Brgy. Puey, Sagay City, Negros Occidental. The signing was held at Balay Kauswagan.

“This is one of the best practices initiated by the Office which began in the southern part of Negros Occidental,” said Edgardo Rostata, DENR Provincial ENR Officer in Negros Occidental.

Rostata disclosed that the signed MOA is part of Sagay Water District’s social responsibility which he hope will be replicated by other water districts.

Alexander Entero, CENRO Cadiz ENGP Focal Person, discussed briefly the rationale and status of the site. In response, SWD General Manager Manfred Fuentesfina assured everyone of their full support on the program as water is considered to be the lifeblood of the planet and vital for our survival.

Mayor Thirdy Marañon said the Sagay City government has long been doing reforestation efforts and encouraged everyone to protect our resources. “We need to continue the conservation efforts started by our past leaders that is worth emulating,” Marañon added.

He also added that the MOA is yet to pass through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for approval and planting of trees in the proposed area can then be undertaken.

Also present during the MOA Signing were SWD Chairman-Board of Directors Thelma Chiu, SP Arthur Christopher Marañon, SMR-PaSu Antonio Cueva and one of the SWD Board of Directors Ezequiel Marañon.

This is part of the initiative to encourage sustainable support for the development of the Enhanced National Greening Program while at the same time having as goal the provision of clean and safe water at different areas in the northern part of Negros Occidental.