GMA declares 1,514 has. of public lands in Agusan agro-forestry, dairy farm

Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte — President Arroyo finally declared by virtue of Proclamation No. 195. 1,514 hectares of public lands in Barangay Maningalao this town as the site for the Agusan del Norte Integrated Agro-Forestry and Dairy Stock Farm Project.

With the proclamation of the Chief Executive, the area is now withdrawn from entry, sale disposition or settlement and is now set aside in favor of the project.

The area covered by reservation will now be under the administration, supervision, management and control of the Agsuan del Norte Provincial Government in coordination with the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Agriculture.

DENR, through the Forest Management Bureau is assigned to ensure that the cutting and utilization of timber and other forest products shall be subjected under forest laws, rules and regulations as well as revenue laws.

The Agriculture Department will provide technical, financial and support assistance in developing the area as prime agriculture and dairy farm zone that will help augment food production and its pilot agricultural development zone.

Aside from the land donation, the Office of the President thru the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) through the President’s Social Fund has appropriated P5-million for the preparation of the Master Economic Development Plan of the Project.

The Agusan del Norte Provincial Government and the local government unit of Las Nieves lauded President Arroyo’s move in proclaiming the area saying the project will provide food sufficiency in the province, jobs to unemployed locals as well.