QUEZON CITY — The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has taken a significant step in advancing coastal conservation through a formal partnership with the National Power Corporation (NPC).
On May 7, MENRE and NPC signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in Quezon City to implement the Adopt-an-Estero Program in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. This initiative, adapted for coastal ecosystems, aims to strengthen environmental protection efforts in BARMM’s vulnerable shoreline communities.
The ceremonial signing was led by MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim and NPC President and CEO Dr. Fernando Martin Y. Roxas.
Minister Brahim highlighted the importance of the collaboration, emphasizing that “safeguarding our marine ecosystems requires strong partnerships and active community engagement.” He also commended NPC’s commitment to helping sustain environmental efforts in the region.
Echoing this sentiment, President Roxas remarked, “This alliance reflects NPC’s commitment to a cleaner environment as the corporation moves toward greater use of renewable energy.”
Under the agreement, both agencies will work together on various activities aligned with the Adopt-an-Estero framework. These include surface clean-ups, regular water quality monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and the introduction of ecological interventions such as bamboo planting and rip rapping to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion.
MENRE, through its Environmental Management Services (EMS), will be responsible for coordinating implementation, monitoring outcomes, and enforcing environmental regulations. NPC, meanwhile, will take the lead in cleanup operations and community mobilization efforts within a three-month timeframe following the agreement.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by MENRE Deputy Minister Muslima A. Asmawil, EMS Director Jalani M. Pamlian, and Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Officers (PENREOs): Marietta R. Ladjiman (Basilan), Raidzna S. Barahama (Sulu), and Alma S. Jumdain (Tawi-Tawi), along with key NPC officials.
Before the MOA signing, MENRE-EMS also held a technical consultation with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office regarding ongoing and future environmental projects in Sulu.
The agreement marks another milestone in MENRE’s broader goal of promoting climate resilience and environmental sustainability in BARMM’s coastal areas.