Baguio city: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has partnered with local government units, people's organizations, and non-government organizations to utilize more than 2,000 hectares of forest in Northern Luzon for livelihood opportunities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DENR, through the Ecosystems Research Development Bureau (ERDB) and the Watershed and Water Resources Research Development and Extension Center (WWRRDEC), along with other stakeholders, formalized this initiative by signing a memorandum of understanding at the WWRRDEC research station in Loakan, Baguio City. This agreement covers approximately 2,056 hectares of forest in Regions 1 (Ilocos Region) and 2 (Cagayan Valley), managed by the ERDB and the WWRRDEC, for sustainable livelihood projects.
DENR Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science Carlos Primo David emphasized the importance of utilizing natural resources sustainably. In a video message during the signing ceremony, he highlighted the initiative's potential to leverage natural resources for viable livelihoods without causing environmental harm.
The initiative includes three key areas: the Tadao experimental forest in Ilocos Norte, the Bugnay experimental forest in Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela, and the Claveria experimental forest in Cagayan. Each area will focus on different projects, such as 'Project TELA' in Bugnay, focused on the textile industry, and rattan and bamboo products in Tadao and Claveria, respectively. Additional activities include ecotourism and production of dye and thread-producing forest products, along with a solar farm.
ERDB Director Lormelyn Claudio underlined the significance of sustainable livelihood projects in experimental forests, stressing their role in addressing forest product usage issues. She noted the vast potential of the country's forest lands, of which only a quarter is vegetated, highlighting the urgent need for environmental protection initiatives.
Rodrigo Agpaoa, president of the Tadao Agrarian Reform Cooperative, expressed optimism about the project's benefits. Meanwhile, Minda Odsey, head of the WWRRDEC, outlined plans to introduce new products like bottled bamboo shoots, bamboo kimchi, and bamboo candies into the market.
Furthermore, DENR-Cordillera Director Paquito Moreno described the projects as timely and strategic, emphasizing their importance for regions with critical watersheds and forestlands. He highlighted how the livelihood projects empower local communities with alternative income sources that align with forest protection efforts, thereby reducing illegal logging and unsustainable land practices.
Source: Philippines News Agency
