THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON officially enters into an agreement with four companies for the adoption of selected National Greening Program (NGP) graduated sites in Lian, Calatagan and Balayan, Batangas, on October 29, 2020.
ย The said companies include South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation (SLTEC), Absolut Distillers, Inc. (ADI), SEM Calaca Power Corporation and Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corporation (SCPC-SLPGC), and Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP).
The undertaking is enrolled under the umbrella of “Tayo Ang Kalikasan”, the citizens’ platform for the DENR program for restoration, rehabilitation, and development.The partner companies have committed to voluntarily assist the department in tree planting activities in support of the NGP through its direct participation in the massive, intensive and sustained tree growing, planting and caring activities in response to the threat of climate change and global warming.
Through the MOA, SLTEC formally adopted a 10-hectare NGP mangrove plantation in Barangay Talisay, Calatagan, Batangas which was established in 2015. ADI adopted a 5-hectare plantation in Brgy. Puting Kahoy, Lian, Batangas established in 2013. TMP adopted a 10-hectare mangrove plantation in Brgy. Binubusan, Lian, Batangas established in 2016. And, SCPC-SLGPC adopted the identified 50-hectare NGP plantation in Barangay Patugo, Balayan, Batangas.
The department identified and selected the said areas for the reforestation project as the same suffered damages due to negligence and other unforeseen force majeure, hence, are needing further enhancement and rehabilitation.
The companies shall prepare and submit its respective development plans for the reforestation project areas, mobilize the community by providing manpower and counterpart resources in the maintenance and protection of the said areas, provide counterpart resources intended for labor, materials and other contributions for the implementation of the project, and protect the existing man-made and natural vegetation and promote conservation of biodiversity within the project areas.
The regional department, on the other hand, shall assist the said companies in preparing its respective development plans, provide appropriate planting materials, and render technical assistance in species-site matching plantation establishment, proper protection and maintenance of planted seedlings and other assistance that may be required in the implementation and sustainability of the reforestation project.
ย The MOAs with SLTEC, ADI and SCPC-SLGPC have an effectivity of 5 years. On the other hand, the MOA with TMP has an effectivity of 3 years. Such terms may be extended or renewed upon mutual written agreement of the parties.
The DENR-CENRO Calaca, Batangas has remaining 4,802.54 hectares NGP graduated sites which are potential for adoption. NGP graduated sites are areas within the previously established NGP plantations which need assistance from other government institutions or private sectors for continuous maintenance. | – BNN