DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Mr. John Ma Chumacera, a successful businessman, for the adoption of a 50-hectare timber plantation in Brgy. Mapulot, Tagkawayan, Quezon.

The adopted plantation is a portion of a 700-hectare graduated tree plantation established in 2012 under the National Greening Program (NGP) of the DENR. Since the subject plantation already finished its 3-year financial provision under the NGP contract, financial support for the maintenance and protection activities of the site is unavailable. This motivated Mr. Chumacera to adopt the plantation and continue his advocacy on securing the environment's welfare.

Mr. Chumacera is a 58-year-old resident of Brgy. Poblacion, Tagkawayan, Quezon, who used to work with the local government and community leaders. He is the founder of the Tagkawayan Farmers’ Association, who developed a cacao industry in the locality through the introduction of high-yield cacao varieties, education of farmers, and transfer of technology. His commitment includes establishment of a nursery in the adopted area to support forest rehabilitation and food security aspirations, and setting up of a demonstration farm and learning site for various farmers in the municipality.

In view of his profile and active involvement in a series of tree growing activities in the upland and mangrove areas, DENR-CENRO Calauag recommended Mr. Chumacera to be one of its partners in achieving environmental sustainability.

For. Julieta Narte of PENRO Quezon stressed that a 3-year budget for NGP is insufficient to sustain the optimum survival rate of trees planted in an NGP site.  She emphasized that the government also allocates funds to various programs, projects, and activities for the country’s welfare. Thus, it does not assure a bursting budget allocation for its reforestation programs more than implemented under Expanded NGP until 2028. She added that the stewards and volunteers play a vital role in the collaborative efforts of the DENR to sustain the quality of the forest and environment.

Director Tamoria expressed his recognition of the efforts and initiatives of Mr. Chumacera and the rest of the individuals who continuously uplift the values of collaboration for the sake of the environment.

He highlighted that one of the DENR’s primary mandates is to conserve and protect forestland and watersheds. However, the success of the implementation of the department’s projects, programs and activities depends on its joint efforts with the concerned communities and stakeholders.

“Caring for the environment and natural resources is an obligation of all since all people enjoy its benefits, and the present and future generations are our inspiration to pursue environmental conservation efforts,” RED Tamoria stressed.

DENR-CENR Officer Joselito Barros expressed his utmost gratitude to Mr. Chumacera for initiating such endeavors to improve the environment. He further complimented his commitment towards environmental improvement and sustainability.

Tagkawayan Mayor’s Executive Assistant Michael Tolentino, Brgy. Mapulot Chair Rogelio Esmas, Brgy. Sta. Cecilia Chair Nelson Nimedes, Mapulot Community Resources Development Association, Inc. President Diosmedes Esmas, and an environmentalist from Tagkawayan, Wilfredo Lingon II, served as witnesses of the undertaking. Also, concerned individuals from NGAs, NGOs, and the local government of Tagkawayan, Quezon observed the ceremonial MOA signing. ###