SAN JOSE, Antique – A 10-hectare Communal Bamboo Plantation will be established in Barangay Alvañiz in Patnongon, Antique to help in the greening of the environment, mitigate climate change, and provide livelihood to village residents.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed recently by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Antique provincial government, Antique Sand and Gravel Quarry Permittees’ Association, Incorporated (ASGOPAI) and the Alvañiz Upland Farmer’s Association (AUFA) for the planting of bamboo as part of the National Greening Program (NGP).
DENR regional executive director Livino B. Duran said the establishment of the Communal Bamboo Plantation on 10-hectare timberland can help in the socioeconomic advancement of the province where the 72 members of the AUFA would be able to earn a living through planting and maintaining the plantation.
“This is also in support to the NGP which aims to accelerate the rehabilitation and reforestation of unproductive, denuded and degraded areas,” Duran added.
Under the DENR Administrative Order 2017-03 issued on Feb. 15, 2017 establishment of the bamboo plantation has been included in the protection of forests and areas along the riverbanks.
MGB regional director Raul Laput said the bamboo plantation will not only restore the greening of the area but can also help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Bamboo absorbs greenhouse gases and produces more oxygen into the atmosphere. It also thrives on hostile and degraded lands.
Laput added ASGOPAI, which is under their sector, will provide funding of P455,976 for the bamboo plantation including the seedlings and labor as the project calls for the planting of 2,346 rooted bamboo cuttings in December.
Antique governor Rhodora Cadiao lauded ASGOPAI for coming up with such a project that will also empower other Antiqueños, particularly members of the AUFA by providing them with a livelihood.
“I know we have to start from scratch, but then we could look forward that this project could bring economic development for our people,” she said.
The provincial government through the Environment and Natural Resources Office headed by Vivian Marfil and the DENR will then be providing technical assistance as well as monitor and evaluate the project. (PNA/PN)
