1st Quarter Newsletter

8 KALIKASAN Tacloban City January - March 2019

New MGB 8 RD assumes...2 Feature Story...4

Meanwhile, Engr. Martin thanked environment pristine, YISEDA Leyte contracted by the DENR
the personnel of MGB8 for the support advocated for the passage of a for its reforestation projects by
accorded to his short stint as OIC, Regional barangay ordinance prohibiting extending their services to
Director. He urged the entire MGB 8 work kaingin making and requiring the compensate for backlogs in terms Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region VIII
force to extend full support and dedication
to the leadership of the new Regional planting of timber, to which the of accomplishment.
Director. Members of YISEDA
barangay council concurred. They
The turn-over ceremony held also serve as watchdogs and keepers are optimistic that they are on Volume X No. 01 Tacloban City January - March 2019
January 28, 2019 was gracedby DENR
Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns of the environment by conducting track towards success. They say Over 400 DENR launches ‘Support to Sustain the Save
Nonita S. Caguioa and DENR 8 Assistant patrol works against violators. A their ticket to success is made up beneficiaries receive Calbayog River Project’
Regional Director for Management member shares that, “we’re keeping of bayanihan, transparency, land titles
Services Arturo N. Salazar, who our eyes open, we don’t want our cooperation, support credibility
represented Regional Executive Director of leaders and dedication of “I am overjoyed and ex-
Crizaldy Barcelo. Both officials enjoined all natural resources depleted”. tremely grateful to the government for
personnel of MGB 8 to closely work “Manyof our members were members. Besides, caring for the giving me this proof of ownership of
together in the strict enforcement of kaingeros before, but with the environment they have learned the land that I have been cultivating
environmental laws, rules and regulations. ## organization and the DENR, we now that brotherhood, helping for so long”,Violeta Igbalic, 67 years
protect and rehabilitate our members go through the old, a beneficiary of DENR’s Handog
Intensified Forest ...6 forestlands”, anothermembertestifies. challenges of today is noble. But Titulo Program states.
Keeping the PO up and for now, they are earnestly
Protection System. Using a mobile resilient amidst allforms ofchallenges keeping in mind that theyneed to Together with Violeta, four
application called cybertracker, users and is also a responsibility taken by the save for tomorrow and make their hundred thirty three (433) other ben-
patrollers from the DENR report real-time members as a way of giving back resources last long. ### eficiaries from twenty one (21)
environmental abuses from the site. barangays in Hinunangan and two (2)
gratitude to the government and the barangays in Hinundayan, Southern
This system is used in identifying Leyte received their agricultural free
threats within forest conservation areas NGOs who extended support and patents from the Department of Envi-
such as cutting, perennial farming, forest ronment and Natural Resources
fires, and pests and diseases, as well as in assistance. Until today they have   ✁✂ ✄ ✄ ☎✆ ✞✝ ✟ (DENR) - CENRO San Juan and the
recommending immediate action to Registry of Deeds (ROD) during the
identified threats during patrols works. successfully sustained their CARP EDITORIAL STAFF land title distribution held at
Hinunangan, Southern Leyte on March
The DENR vowed to run after CBFM livelihood projects. They Augustus Ceasar V. Lantajo Perlice D. Belonias 27, 2019. Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino and other stakeholders sign the
individuals and groups destroying the forests Hedy M. Yao Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) in support to the Save
of region 8. RED Barcelo said, “In boast of their tilapia culture, rattan and Circulation Manager/Visuals Researchers DENR Provincial Environ- Calbayog River Project. The parties to the MOPAagreed to undertake actions
instances of apprehension and confiscation ment and Natural Resources Officer intended to revitalize, protect and conserve the Calbayog River.
of forest products, it is regrettable that trees bamboo plantation, as well as their Rowena C. Opiniano Johann Hein B. Arpon (PENRO) of Southern Leyte Atty.
were already cut. But the Department is pineapple, karlang, banana, and Dario Suarez explained that the
sending a strong message to the culprits that camote plantation. Lay-out Artist/Managing Editor Writer Handog Titulo program seeks to fast-
their action will not be left unpunished. track the processing and issuance of
Imposing sanctions to violators of forestry Maita Reina G. Sucgang public land titles to qualified beneficia- In support to the initiatives of efforts of the different parties, a
laws is one way of emphasizing to the public Editor-in-Chief ries. He also added that this is part of the local government unit of Calbayog comprehensive program for the
that forests are important. This also serves the government’s program of reduc- City to save the Calbayog River, the reduction of pollution at the Calbayog
as a warning against activities that are Taking cues from their past TECHNICAL ADVISERS ing poverty and increasing the produc- DENR led various sectors in signifying River shall be developed and
abusive of our forest resources”. ## experience, they capitalized on the tivity of the people. their commitment to undertake actions implemented.
financial integrityof each member by Arturo N. Salazar intended to revitalize and protect the
providing them with SSS and ARD for Management Services Addressing the beneficiaries, Calbayog River. He adds that for its part, the
PENRO Suarez said, “the government DENR shall ensure that measures to
Morakie P. Domanday wants to improve the lives of men and Partners from the academe, be applied to reduce pollution at the
ARD for Technical Services women by giving them access to free non-government organizations, media, Calbayog River are consistent with the
civic-society groups, other government over-all initiative of the DENR in
PhilHealth membership. They also ATTY. CRIZALDY M. BARCELO, CESO III DENR Brgy. Payapay ... 8 agencies, and the barangay local improving the qualities of water bodies
empower their members by adopting Regional Executive Director government units agreed to take in the country.
financial literacy techniques such as DENR distributes ... 6 specific roles and responsibilities for the
World Vision’s CommunityManaged CONTRIBUTORS initiative through a Memorandum of Aside from river clean-ups,
PENROs/CENROs Partnership Agreement (MOPA) tree planting, massive IEC, and
signed on February 21, 2019 in strengthening partnership with
Division Chiefs Calbayog City. stakeholders, the DENR will also look
DENR Employees into the implementation and
DENR Regional Executive compliance of nearby households and
Savings and Credit Association Kalikasan is an internal publication produced Director Crizaldy Barcelo said it is
expected that through the concerted DENR launches ... 7
(CoMSCA) Program. The quarterly by the Regional Public Affairs
Office, Department of Environment and @DENR8Official Website: r8.denr.gov.ph
organization saves or pools an amount Natural Resources, Region 8, with office at

from each member at the start of the Sto. Niño Extension, Tacloban City.

week, and follows a schedule on who Contributions are welcome. However, the
editorial staff reserves the right to edit all
shall be accommodated for the grant articles contributed for publication. Reprint is

or loan of the lumped sum at the end allowed as long as credit is given.

of the week.

YISEDA also assists other

people’s organizations in Southern

@DENR8Official Website: r8.denr.gov.ph

2 KALIKASAN Tacloban City January - March January - March 2019 Tacloban City KALIKASAN 7

Our Department ushered Calbayog River was the one identified LGU Calbayog, other stakeholders join hands to save Calbayog River
2019 with a clear tenacity to to be the regional entry for the Recog-
continue its efforts to rehabilitate nizing Individuals/Institutions towards ATTY. CRIZALDY M. BARCELO, CESO III Various stakeholders pledged to support the Save Calbayog River Project which includes regular river
our water bodies after the highly Vibrant and Enhanced Rivers (RIVERs) clean-up and tree planting activities.
touted rehabilitation of Boracay for Life Award. Through this award, it forest and watershed management
became a huge success. This is hoped that all stakeholders will join (expanded- National GreeningProgram); “We borrowed our earth from actions to support the rehabilitation of the and adherence to pertinent laws.
time, it was right in the heart of hands to a call for action to bring back intensified forest protection and anti-ille- the future generation. It is our duty to Calbayog River. RED Barcelo disclosed that
Imperial Manila with the Manila to life our polluted rivers and to gal logging; enhanced biodiversity conser- return it to them in good condition.”
Bay rehabilitation dubbed as the revitalize the same. After all, it is said vation; scaling-up of coastal and marine DENR Regional Executive consistent with the rehabilitation efforts
“Battle for Manila Bay”. To date, that rivers and its tributaries are con- ecosystems; improved land administration This is the statement posed by Director Crizaldy Barcelo is hopeful that for the Manila Bay, the DENR recently
much has been done and slowly, sidered the lifeblood of the Earth.As life- and management and ecosystem research Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino the concerted efforts to save the Calbayog launched the Recognizing Individuals/
the majestic beauty of Manila Bay blood, it requires our utmost attention and development. in support to the efforts of the River, classified as Class C, or a water Institutions towards Vibrant and
of bygone era is now within and proper management to be Department of Environment and body safe for the propagation and growth Enhanced Rivers (RIVERs) for
reach. Many responded to the call sustainable. And while Calbayog River To do all of these, however, we Natural Resources (DENR) to protect of fish and other aquatic resources, Life Award. This recognition aims to
of Secretary Roy A. Cimatu for is our official entry, we shall need the active support of all stakeholders, the country’s rivers from degradation recreation, and for agricultural purposes raise awareness of the need to protect
all stakeholders to join in making simultaneously endeavor to improve both from the public and private sector. We and pollution. will create positive impacts towards the and conserve the country’s rivers as the
history in our country. To quote other major rivers in the region. enjoin everyone to contribute their share rehabilitation and conservation of all other lifeblood of the Earth and human
him, “this mission is not for our environment, after all, IKAW, AKO, The DENR is particularly rivers in the region. civilization. It also encourages concerted
impossible. This mission calls for Just as we are adamant in TAYO ANG KALIKASAN. keeping an eye on the rehabilitation of action intended to come-up with
dedication and hard work from all revitalizing our rivers, we shall be the Calbayog River to jumpstart and He added that Class C Rivers are appropriate mitigation and intervention
those who will help us in this equally aggressive in the performance re-intensify massive efforts for the being piloted for intensive rehabilitation that would help address the continued
operation.” of our mandate, especially in the 10- protection and conservation of all and restoration to their original state worsening condition of rivers
point priority program laid down by rivers in the region. It has recently especially that most of these water bodies nationwide.
And taking cue from the Secretary Cimatu to protect and launched the “Support to Sustain the are proximate to commercial
Secretary, a parallel campaign is sustainably manage the environment and Save Calbayog River Project” to establishments and residential areas. The Calbayog River
also being done in the different its natural resources. Included in here strengthen partnerships by and encompassing barangays Aguit-itan,
regional offices of the Depart- is Geo-hazard, ground water between the LGU, civil society Calbayog City’s Chief Executive Carmen, Central, Dagum, Guin-on,
ment. Here in Easter Visayas, the assessment and responsible mining organizations, government agencies, emphasized that while the local Hamorawon, Nijaga, Obrero, Pahayan,
academe, media, and other government unit understands the Rizal, Capoocan, and Balud has been
New MGB 8 Regional Director assumes post stakeholders towards the sustainability dependence of some settlers on the chosen by the DENR Region 8 as the
of the Save Calbayog River Project. Calbayog River, they are duty-bound and regional entry to the RIVERs for Life
“Cooperation and measures that would improve the These stakeholders agreed to come- are committed to revitalize the Calbayog
harmony, we need this from performance of MGB 8 and step up up and implement their plan of River by ensuring strict implementation Award. ##
each and every one”, Mines our operations in support to the ten
Engr. Esteban Martin (L), outgoing OIC RD MGB 8 turns- and Geosciences Bureau Priority Programs of DENR Secretary DENR launches.... 1 “Actions to save Calbayog entry to the nationwide contest dubbed
over the symbolic key of responsibility to the new Regional (MGB) 8 incoming Regional Roy Cimatu”, he adds. River have been initiated. We need to “Recognizing Individuals/Institutions
Director Leo Van V. Juguan(rightmost). The ceremonial turn- Director Leo Van V. Juguan establishments to pertinent laws sustain and reinforce this move and end towards Vibrant and Enhanced Rivers
over was witnessed by DENR 8 ARD for Management Services told his work force in Eastern RD Juguan took his post as such as the Solid Waste up with concrete results”, RED Barcelo (RIVERs) for Life Award” is a pilot
Arturo N. Salazar. Visayas. Regional Director of MGB 8 from Management Act, Clean Water said. project for all rivers in region 8. The
Engr. Esteban Martin who was Act and policies relating to proper
As he assumed reassigned to Region III. easement along river banks. The rehabilitation of the same initiative is encouraged for all
office, RD Juguan said that Calbayog River, which is Region 8’s rivers in Eastern Visayas.##
with the support of the entire RD Juguan was designated by
MGB 8 personnel, he vows Secretary Roy Cimatu to lead the
to strengthen coordination and implementation of DENR priority
partnership with the local plans, programs, and services in region
government units especially in 8 as Regional Director of MGB 8
ensuring safety of the through Special Order No. 2018-793
community from geological dated September 24, 2018.
hazards.
He has worked with the
“Besides working government for over 30 years. Prior to
hand-in hand with our his reassignment to Region 8, he was
partners, we shall implement designated as Regional Director of
MGB Region VI.

New MGB 8 RD assumes ... 8

6 KALIKASAN Tacloban City January - March 2019 KALIKASAN Tacloban City 3January - March 2019

Intensified forest protection marks DENR 8’s IDF celebration Keep our water bodies trash-free - DENR

“Protecting the forests and the objectives of the celebration of IDF field officials at the start of the year, to
curbing illegal logging operations in
Eastern Visayas are among the top which is to raise awareness on how conduct massive information, education,
priorities of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources sustainably managed forests contributes and communication campaigns, strictly Did you know that...
(DENR) this 2019.”
to the environment, capped in a theme monitor timber poaching activities in their
The Environment Department
shares this statement as it gears up for ‘Forests and Education’. areas of responsibility, and closely
the global celebration of International
Day of Forests (IDF) on March 21, “Forests secure our soil and coordinate with apprehending authorities The world’s longest snake and longest reptile which can be
2019. found in the Philippines and nearby areas is the Reticulated
water resources, mitigate climate for the conduct of anti-timber poaching Python (Python reticulatus). Adults grow to a maximum of
DENR 8 Regional Executive
Director Crizaldy Barcelo said, DENR’s change, and provide habitat for animals operations. over 28 feet or 8.7_m_e_te_rs_in_le_n_g_th_. __
forest protection activities all relate to
and livelihood for human. Its importance To further intensify the effort, The extremelyvenomous Faint-banded Sea Snakeis the most
toxic snakeinthe world. It canbe foundin thewaters of Visayas
cannot be underestimated”, RED DENR is also implementing a and Panay areas in the Philippines, New Guinea, Australia,
Solomon Islands, Gulf of Thailand and Timor Sea.
Barcelo stressed. biodiversity protection system using
____________
To enhance public awareness advanced technology called the LAWIN
The Philippine Mouse Deer (Tragalus nigricans) of Balabac
and strengthen forest protection in the Intensified forest ... 8 Island in Palawan is the world’s smallest hoofed animal. It is
region, RED Barcelo ordered DENR locally known as Pilandok andstands onlyabout 40 centimeters
at the shoulder level.
DENR distributes...1 to make their land titles immediately The land title distribution activitydubbed as
____________
land titling and providing them rights bankable and tradable. This removed “Handog Titulo para kay Juan at Juana” Volunteers help clean –up Lake Danao and its vicinities.
and legal ownership of the land they The Dwarf Goby (Pandaka pygmaea) is the world’s second
have been cultivating for years”. the restriction prohibiting the also recognizes the equal rights of women smallest freshwater fish. It measures 1.2 centimeters or less
than half of an inch, the 2nd tiniest known vertebrate
He urged the beneficiaries to beneficiaries from mortgaging or selling and men to land ownership. This is a regular The Department of Environ- In Ormoc City, the DENR
adhere to this objective by making their ment and Natural Resources (DENR) Community Environment and Natural ____________
lands productive in order to achieve a their land within 5 years from issuance activity conducted by CENRO San Juan to is steadfast in its goal to protect and Resources Office (CENRO) recently
better quality of life and likewise con- conserve the water bodies in the re- led eighty volunteers in cleaning-up The world’s smallest commercial fish is “Sinarapan”
tribute to the enhancement of the of patent. celebrate Women’s Month in March. ## gion. Lake Danao and its vicinities. (Mistichthys luzonensis). It can only be found in Lakes Bato
country’s economy. Volunteers collected around one and Buhi in Camarines Sur. It grows to an average length of
Volunteers help clean –up thousand four hundred sixty (1,460) kilos 1.25 centimeters, only slightly longer than the Dwarf Goby.
Section 45, Chapter VII of Lake Danao and its vicinities. Rivers, of trash during the one day activity,
Commonwealth Act 141, amended by lakes, swamps and other forms of in- mostly composed of plastic trash. ____________
Republic Act 6940 and further land wetlands function like sponges,
amended by R.A. 9176 authorizes the absorbing and storing excess rainfall DENR’s Conservation and https://trebonasomreb.wordpress.com/2010/06/07/philippine-
issuance of Free Patents to natural and reducing flood surges. During dry Development Division revealed that extremes-50-interesting-facts-about-the-philippines/
born Filipino citizens who do not own seasons, wetlands release stored wa- based on last year’s clean-up activities
more than twelve (12) hectares of ter, delaying the onset of droughts and held regionwide in observance of the ECO
agricultural land, and has continuously minimizing water shortages. International Coastal Clean-up Day,
occupied or cultivated the subject (www.worldwetlandsday.org) plastics still top the list of trash collected TIPS
property either by himself or through from the region’s water bodies.
his predecessors-in-interest for at least To ensure that the region’s Tips for Making your Office
30 years prior to the effectivity of the rivers, lakes and other forms of inland “So much plastics are being Environmentally Friendly
amendatory act, and have paid its real wetlands function on these important dumped into our water bodies, and this
property tax. RA 9176 also states that roles, series of activities are being is disrupting its ecological condition. We Place a recycling center in a
the filing of application for said free conducted by the DENR. should be mindful of how we treat our prominent location in your office.
patent shall not extend beyond environment and natural resources. If a complete set of recycling
December 31, 2020. Earlier this year, DENR 8 Keep in mind the countless benefits and containers would take too much
Regional Executive Director Crizaldy resources provided by our water room, put a waste paper
On February 22, 2019, Barcelo ordered the conduct of recycling box near the printers
President Duterte signed RA 11231 or regular clean-up activities in rivers bodies”, RED Barcelo said. and a general recycling box in
the Agricultural Free Patent Reform and other forms of wetlands and the staff room. Empty the
Act, allowing free patent beneficiaries A beneficiary of the Handog Titulo Program receive his agricultural free patent waterways throughout the region to recycling boxes regularly and
from the DENR represented by PENRO Southern Leyte Dario Suarez (far left), restore and conserve these important organize bottle/can returns.
and CENR Officer of San Juan Marcialito Torres
ecosystems. Try to go "paperless" by only
printing documents if necessary.
There's no reason that inter-office
communications can't be done
electronically.

Encourage staff to use "real"
mugs, glasses, dishes and cutlery
rather than disposables. It takes
just seconds to wash a mug.

Practice green procurement
(sourcing and purchasing the least
environmentally damaging goods).

Source: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/going-
green-ideas-for-the-office-2948097

4 KALIKASAN Tacloban City January - March 2019 January - March 2019 Tacloban City KALIKASAN 5

Feature Story Feature Story... 4

Nurtured by Nature: YISEDA’s Forest Their dampened spirits were for the 10-hectare agroforestryarea,
Resource Management Experience
Feature Story put at ease by YISEDA’s presence. seedling production, production of

To address hunger, members and grafted stock, farm inputs (fertilizer

their families used their livelihood for and farm tools), plantation

The lushly vegetated forests of their farm or working field, others own their Community Resource their own consumption. The fund establishment, maintenance and
Management Framework (CRMF).
Sitio Canlugoc in Barangay Lunas, up engaging in illegal logging activities. generated by the organization from protection, repair and improvement
Their experience with forest
Maasin Southern Leyte once cradled a Under the ISFP, the protection programs kept the PO their projects was lent to members of the PO’s multipurpose nursery, as
wanting for more. Aside from
community who held the bounties of organization members were awarded government programs, they continued who are in dire need for money well as research education and
seeking for assistance and projects from
nature in its highest regard. with a Certificate of Stewardship non-government organizations as well. without difficulty.At first, it was what extension services and project
Impressed with their performance in
Through time, this rich resource Contract (CSC). This individual tenurial handling their projects, more came in. the PO envisioned, to help its management and supervision.

was slowly stripped off of vegetation as instrument allowed them to utilize The NGO Federation of members. Hoping that whatever was In 2010, the GIZ funded
Omega Beneficiaries, Inc. (FOBI), for
the population increased its dependence portions of the forestland for a maximum instance, partnered withYISEDAfor a An anthurium plantation serves as an lent will be replenished, it continued pilot project demonstration areas for
3-hectare reforestation project. Also, alternative source of livelihood of the
on forest products for local and of fifty (50) years, provided that they in 2006, the Rural Development PO. toassistthedailysurvivalofmembers. the two-year Reducing Emissions
Institute (RDI) Leyte introduced the
commercial consumption. oblige to agreements on forest “passing-on-the gift” project. Initially,
forty families were given a set of 4
The land where tall trees used conservation and reforestation. female goats, 1 male goat, 1 hen, 1 Collecting payments was a process from Deforestation and Forest
rooster, and 5 itiks. Per agreement,
to stand were repurposed through Following the ISFP, the they were to spread said livelihood by opportunity for non-members. that has no deadline. Theysaid it was Degradation (REDD+) Project in
sharing the offspring of their animals to
kaingin system for agricultural organization became a beneficiary of a other members and neighboring The concept ofbayanihan which unwise to put a deadline on the region 8. YISEDA’s CBFM area
barangays. Two (2) percent of their
production. This practice became so Contract Reforestation Project funded income fromlivestock production goes upholds the spirit of communal unityand lendees because the officers feel by was chosen as one of the pilot sites,
to the organization. This livelihood
popular with the farmer-residents. by the Asian Development Bank. They activity was reinforced by the Heifer cooperation played a crucial role in the themselves the stern poverty and with the PO members contracted for
International bybringing in more goats,
Burning forestlands became their were likewise tapped for the Family native chicken, ducks, and tilapia. implementation of the organization’s hunger oftheir members. For this, the activities such as reforestation,

strategy to prepare the land for their next Contract Reforestation Program of the In 2009, theyimplemented the projects. As one, the members of organization was left waiting. agroforestry development, and
Upland Development Program (UDP)
planting season. In no time, abaca DENR in 1991. which covers 107 hectares offorestland YISEDA enthusiastically labored Admittedly,thememberssaid assisted naturalregeneration(ANR).
for reforestation. The UDP aims to
farming and vegetable and crop In 2000, the Young Innovators improve income in upland areas and towards their success, notwithstanding it took them awhile before they In the same year,YISEDA’s
mitigate hunger, while also enhancing
production bloomed in the once lushly for Sustainable and Environmental the country’s capacity to adapt to their economic and social status, which realized that their resources were Resource Use Permit (RUP) for
climate change. To satisfythe required
vegetated forests of Sitio Canlugoc in Development Association (YISEDA) accomplishment from the PO, they they admit, way behind the rest of the alreadydwindling. But letting go and naturally grown and planted trees
recruited over 60 individuals, whom
Barangay Lunas. Inc. was formally organized under the they considered as associate members
to assist them in implementing the
The devastating effect of slash Community Based Forest Management project, thus providing livelihood communitiesin theprovince.Theybanked calling it quits was not part of their within the production forest of their

and burn farming to the environment Program (CBFMP). This program Feature Story... 5 on hardwork, perseverance, and unity. plan. YISEDAstood up for another tenured area was also approved, in

alerted the Department of Environment consolidated all DENR reforestation As the fruits of their labor government project which sought to time with the massive plantation

and Natural Resources (DENR) to take efforts into a single agreement that abound, YISEDAbecame the pillar of address hunger and reduce poverty establishment required by the

action against the practice. In 1988, the serves as a lease of certain portion of support for the members, and even the under the CARP-CBFM program. REDD+ Project. This refo project

DENR introduced the Integrated Social forestland for a period of 25 years, non-members. Immediate needs such as Optimisticwithgovernment’ssupport, compensated the timber harvesting

Forestry Program (ISFP) and initiated renewable for another 25 years with the hospitalization and other medical YISEDA’s Board of Directors activityof the PO approved through

the formation of an organization of 44 condition of maintaining, protecting and expenses, food for the table, educational formulated a resolutionon January their RUP.

members who are mostly self-confessed conserving the area and the resources needsand other financialnecessities were 2009 requesting the DENR through In 2011, YISEDA was

violators of forest laws. They admitted found therein. Under this, easilysourced out from the organization. CBFM-CARP to provide support tapped for the implementation ofthe

tilling portions of the forest to serve as YISEDA was awarded a

total of 407.68 hectares of Cliché sounding,but indeed,all’s for the establishment of a 10-hectare NationalGreening Program(NGP).

land to labor on. Their not a bed of roses for YISEDA. They agroforestry area. On the same This project sought the services of

activities include forest were challenged by several natural month, their plea was granted. They peoples’ organizations as partners in

rehabilitation including phenomena that affected their livelihood entered into a memorandum of greening1.5millionhectareswith1.5

agroforestry, forest projects and eventually, dragged them agreement with the DENR for the billion trees across the country.

protection, down the drain. granting of supplementary funds to For the members, their lives

and development of Their abaca plantation was support their CARP-CBFM project. and daily dealings are closely

livelihood opportunities stricken by pests and disease. They A total of four hundred forty engaged with the environment.

which are non-dependent shifted to coconut farming but was two– thousand eight hundred fifty Returning a favor to Mother Nature

on forest products, confronted with the same fate. Blamed eight pesos (P442,858.00) was is not an option but a necessity they
upon the changing climate, theywere not released by CARP for the livelihood ought to comply. To keep their
A portion of YISEDA’s tenured area is planted utilization of minor forest able to sustain their agricultural crops and development projects of YISEDA.
with forest trees as part of its forest protection products, and other This amount covers the operating cost
and rehabilitation activities. activities consistent with livestock livelihood. Feature Story... 8