GENERAL SANTOS CITY, South Cotabato – In a significant step toward environmental sustainability, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) General Santos City has bolstered its reforestation initiatives by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with two People’s Organizations (POs) under the Enhanced National Greening Program (eNGP). The agreement, signed on March 14 in Barangay Albagan, Tampakan, marks a collaborative effort to rehabilitate forestlands and promote sustainable land use.
The partnership involves the Albagan Farmers Association and the I Love Tampakan Albagan Highland Farmers Association People’s Organization, who will play a crucial role in the implementation of tree-planting and forest restoration activities. Under the MOA, these organizations will oversee site preparation, seedling production, planting, and maintenance of reforested areas to ensure long-term sustainability.
The signing ceremony was attended by key local leaders, including Hon. Leonard Escobillo, Mayor of Tampakan, who expressed his full support for the initiative. Mayor Escobillo emphasized the importance of reforestation efforts in mitigating climate change and preserving the environment for future generations. He also pledged additional resources to strengthen the program’s impact.
Other notable attendees included Ms. Mercedita G. Mangunlay, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC), Hon. Jito V. Suhot, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Albagan, and the Presidents of the two People’s Organizations. Their presence underscored the commitment of both the government and the local community to environmental preservation and sustainable development.
CENRO GenSan reaffirmed its dedication to fostering strong partnerships with local stakeholders, recognizing that community involvement is key to achieving lasting environmental progress. By engaging grassroots organizations in the eNGP, the agency aims to enhance forest cover, improve biodiversity, and support local livelihoods.
As reforestation efforts continue, the collaboration between CENRO GenSan and the People’s Organizations sets a model for community-driven environmental conservation. The initiative highlights the critical role of local engagement in achieving a greener, more sustainable future for Tampakan and beyond.