CEDC targets 79T trees for Malubog watershed

CEBU, Philippines – The officials of Cebu Energy Development Corporation in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will formally start today planting 79,000 trees inside the 100-hectare Malubog Watershed Conservation Project.

The CEDC will formally launch the so-called Kalambuang Bililhon Ibilin Namo or (KABILIN), an agro-forestry and biodiversity conservation project of the power company. DENR-7 regional executive director Leonardo Sibbaluca has been invited to grace the activity together with CEDC President Jesus Alcordo in a program to be held in Barangay Climaco in Toledo City.

Both of them will distribute government certificates to about 30 farmers allowing them to continue take care of their farms within the watershed areas condition that they will help plant trees.

CEDC is presently operating its coal-fired power plants in Toledo City and in exchange the company will plant trees to arrest carbon dioxide emission and contribute to the campaign against climate change.

The power plant officials will coordinate with some non-government organizations to help them realize the project. The coal-fired power plants were described by the Greenpeace, an international environmental organization as major contributors to carbon dioxide emissions, although the CEDC officials assured that their power plants have complete equipment to prevent such problem to our environment.

The power plant officials have inked an agreement with the DENR and Toledo City government last March 5 that CEDC will conserve 100 hectares within the Malubog Watershed Project by planting thousands of trees.

"Coupled with its commitment to produce the much-needed reliable electric power for the Cebuanos, the CEDC and Toledo Power Corporation, are fueled with its strong passion for environmental protection and preservation," Alcordo said. (THE FREEMAN)