San Miguel, Surigao del Sur – In a major step towards environmental conservation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga and the North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU)-San Miguel Campus formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 21, 2025, to establish a 100-hectare arboretum and reforestation area dedicated to Dipterocarp species.
The signing ceremony, held at the NEMSU Campus Cultural Center, marked the beginning of a collaborative effort between the government and the academe to promote sustainable reforestation and biodiversity conservation. Representing DENR Caraga was OIC-Regional Director Maritess M. Ocampo, while NEMSU President Dr. Nemesio G. LoayonLoayon signed on behalf of the university. San Miguel Municipal Mayor Honorable Michael T. Corilla attended as a witness and expressed his full support for the initiative. Also present were Surigao del Sur PENR Officer Adolfo R. Luengas, Lianga CENR Officer Joseph E. Langanlangan, and Indigenous Peoples leader Datu Arnold Acevedo.
Under the agreement, DENR Caraga will lead the technical aspects of the project, including surveys, site monitoring, and the provision of expert assistance. Meanwhile, NEMSU will establish nursery facilities, prepare the site, and oversee the maintenance of the reforested area. Both parties will work together to develop a comprehensive reforestation plan, incorporating best practices to ensure the project’s success.
The partnership was initiated following NEMSU’s commitment to participate in DENR’s reforestation programs. As part of its Land Use Development Plan for the San Miguel campus, the university integrated the establishment of an arboretum across three parcels of land, covering a total of 100 hectares.
A reconnaissance survey conducted on January 30, 2025, by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Lianga identified diverse ecosystems within the proposed arboretum, including Dipterocarp Forest, Lanipao Forest, and Bamboo Forest. These natural features make the area an ideal site for conservation and academic research.
NEMSU envisions the arboretum as a valuable scientific and educational resource, particularly benefiting students enrolled in forestry, agriculture, and technology and livelihood education courses. The site will serve as a living laboratory, providing hands-on learning experiences and fostering research on biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable land management.
The DENR-NEMSU partnership underscores the critical role of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges while enhancing educational opportunities for future generations.
