LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on November 20, has approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the implementation of the Pangasinan Ecological Development Project (PEDP).

Formerly known as the Adopt-A-Mountain Project, said program slated to be renewed is located in Barangay Cayanga in Bugallon town.

Authored by SP Member Vici Ventanilla, the resolution disclosed that “the DENR has established a partnership with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan for the maintenance and protection of agroforestry areas over forestland under the Enhanced National Greening Program of the former pursuant to Executive Order No. 193, Series of 2015.”

For this, a MOA was signed in July 2018 for the establishment of a model agroforestry farm with an area of 20 hectares.

Under the administration of Gov. Guico, the provincial government has signified its interest in extending the agreement for the continuous implementation of the Adopt-A-Mountain Project that will support the proposed Ecological Park Development Project (EPDP) of the province.

Activities to be undertaken for the project include ring weeding or strip brushing, application of organic fertilizers, replanting, establishment, construction, and maintenance of established firebreaks and firelines, foot patrolling, and watering, among other activities.

“The Province shall provide funding for the rehabilitation of the area amounting to P6,115,000.00 for five years for the protection and maintenance of the project site without any compensation from the DENR,” the resolution stated.

Meanwhile, it was stated in the MOA that part of the responsibility of the DENR is to provide technology updates, technical assistance, and policy direction to ensure proper implementation of the project. The province, on the other hand, will ensure the viability of the project site by applying proper management techniques to attain at least an 85% survival rate for planted seedlings.

Environmental preservation and protection is one of the priority thrusts of the present administration, as proven by its aim to grow one million trees in a year under the Pangasinan Green Canopy Project.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)