Calamba City, Laguna – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region IV-A (CALABARZON) has inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SMCGP Philippines Power Foundation, Inc., its subsidiaries, and Malitlit Nature Savers Association Inc., on August 9, 2023, at Lima Park Hotel, Malvar, Batangas, for the adoption of the 50-hectare National Greening Program (NGP) Site. 

The said adopted site is located at Barangay Talisay, Lipa City, Batangas.

The agreement was signed by DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director – Nilo B. Tamoria, SMCGP Philippines Power Foundation, Inc. – Plant Managers, Rolando M. Lalo (EERI) and Emmanuel C. Tayson (SPPC) and, Malitlit Nature Savers Association Inc. – President, Anabelle M. Villapando.

The program was graced by the PENR Officer of Batangas – Noel M. Recillo. DENR CALABRZON’s Assistant Regional Director – Jose Elmer C. Bascos as well as CENR Officer of Lipa City – Allan Willard Estillore were also present during the signing as witnesses.

According to Tamoria, the government's ability to carry out the National Greening Program is constrained. With its limited resources, the government can only do so much to support these NGP activities, starting with seedling production, plantation establishment, maintenance, and protection, which is why he was very delighted with the SMCGP’s readiness to help, he added.

To enforce its desire and intent to support the DENR 4A’s environmental initiatives, the SMCGP included the adopted site to their Ridge to Reef Conservation Program: Project 747 which has an aim to plant indigenous upland and mangrove forest trees, fruit bearing/high value crops and nurture the planted seedlings thereon for five (5) years.

According to Danilo T. Tolarba – Division HR Head / Human Resources and Admin of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., Project 747 specifically intends to organize the local people for environmental stewardship, for 7 million trees on 4,000 hectares in 7 provinces, to contribute to the conservation and protection of biodiversity of the forest in the places where they operate.

The signing of the MOA between the DENR and the private sector is an important step in advancing environmental sustainability and guaranteeing the NGP's success. The private sector supports the nation's reforestation efforts and encourages sustainable business practices and environmental initiatives that will benefit both current and future generations through adopting and maintaining established NGP sites. ###

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases
Published: 01 September 2023