The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON signed Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) with Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Corporation for the adoption of  50 hectares of NGP Plantation at Brgy. Magsaysay, Siniloan, Laguna and 8 hectares of mangrove site at Brgy. Talisay, Calatagan, Batangas last April 19, 2023 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Signatories of the agreement were DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria, and TMP’s Vice Chairperson and Treasurer Dr. David Go.

“Today’s signing marks the significant milestone for TMP’s continuous environmental preservation initiatives as TMP shall be entering a 5-year partnership with DENR with the support of Local Government Units, People’s Organizations and local communities to achieve its commitment”, Go said. 

A total of 41,000 trees and mangrove propagules are projected to be planted in the adopted sites. Since 2015, TMP has been an active partner of DENR in its biodiversity conservation efforts. Previously, TMP has adopted a total of 50 hectares of NGP sites (40 hectares in Maragondon, Cavite, and 10 hectares in Lian, Batangas) and has planted 63,845 mangrove propagules, native and fruit-bearing trees to date. 

“The three year investment of the government is not an assurance that the planted trees will survive...We must recognize that to achieve NGP’s objective, government’s effort alone will not be enough… To ensure the sustainability of the program and the higher survival rate of our planted seedlings, we need assistance from our partners.”, Tamoria said as he emphasized the important role of the private sector in providing assistance in the expanded National Greening Program.

Meanwhile, Laguna Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Eriberto Saños added “We hope that the adoption of NGP site will attain its ultimate objective – that our planted seedlings will become mature trees. Kailangan pong mabuhay at lumaki ang ating mga puno to serve its purpose as part of our ecosystem.”

On the other hand,  Batangas PENR Officer Noel Recillo also extended their gratitude to TMP in its initiative to adopt another NGP site in the province of Batangas. He shared that in 2020, PENRO Batangas also signed a MOA with TMP for the adoption of a 10-hectare mangrove area in Lian, Batangas which just recently ended. 

“Hopefully, in the future, ma-expand natin in other provinces not only in CALABARZON but also in other regions... On the part of DENR, we are very much willing to provide the assistance that you need for the protection, conservation and development of our environment and natural resources”, Recillo said. 

Since 2018, DENR CALABARZON through its Tayo Ang Kalikasan Program, has been encouraging the participation of its various stakeholders in the sustainable management of the developed NGP plantations and the protection of existing forests. In 2022, 15 NGP sites covering 1,400 hectares were adopted by its partners while this year, DENR CALABARZON have already signed 8 Memorandum of Agreements for the adoption of NGP sites in the Region including the agreements with TMP.

To date, 132 graduated NGP sites are open for adoption all over CALABARZON. To those who would like to adopt a site, you may coordinate with the nearest DENR Office in your area. 

The MOA Signing was witnessed by TMP First Vice President/Environmental Director Jhohana A. Mamonong, PENR Officer of Laguna Eriberto B. Saños, PENR Officer of Batangas Noel Recillo, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer of CENRO Sta. Cruz, CENRO Venerando U. Garcia, and CENR Officer of Calaca, Batangas CENRO Isagani Amatorio.  ###

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases
Published: 25 April 2023