CAPIZ – About 597 hectares of forest land have been allotted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Tapaz municipal government for the implementation of the Enhanced National Greening Program (E-NGP) Coffee Project in the said town.
The project has a P11.6 million budget from the national government, said Engr. Neriza Pacenio of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).
The project started on March 21, 2024 and all 44 beneficiaries have signed letters of agreement with the MENRO for three years.
The 597-hectare E-NGP coffee project will be put up in five upland villages in Tapaz town with 317 hectares in Barangay Hilwan, 150 hectares in Barangay Siya, 50 hectares in Barangay Artuz, 50 hectares in Barangay Tabon, and 30 hectares in Barangay Buri.
Stephen Faeldin, Tapaz information officer, said the villages were selected based on their potential for coffee production and their commitment to sustainable agriculture practices.
The municipal government recently conducted an orientation for the beneficiaries regarding coffee cultivation, and sustainable farming techniques.
Further, Tapaz mayor Roberto Palomar said that the E-NGP Coffee Project is to empower communities by giving them options for sustainable livelihoods in addition to promoting coffee production.
“By participating in this project, beneficiaries can contribute to the conservation of natural resources while improving their economic well-being,” he said. (PIA Capiz)/PN
