Pact protecting Quezon, Rizal forests inked

MANILA, Philippines - An agreement seeking to protect and rehabilitate the Sierra Madre forests in Rizal and Quezon provinces has been signed by the government and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The agreement aims to strengthen and enhance the capabilities of upland communities particularly the beneficiaries of the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)” in helping rehabilitate, develop and protect the forests as provided under the National Greening Program (NGP).

The project focuses on the rehabilitation and protection of the Upper Marikina River basin protected landscape in Rizal and the Kaliwa watershed forest reserve in Quezon.

The Marikina protected landscape and the Quezon watershed forest reserve are home to hundreds of  species of flora and fauna, many of which are found only in the Philippines.

Reynulfo Juan, chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would allocate P9.2 million for the more than 1,000 4P beneficiaries in Tanay, San Mateo, and Antipolo City in Rizal, and General Nakar in Quezon.

These families will be involved in the maintenance and protection of the forests through replanting, weeding and establishing a nursery.

The DENR will identify and validate areas under NGP.

The USAID, through its biodiversity and watersheds improved for stronger economy and ecosystem resilience program, will provide capacity-building activities on forest management and help beneficiaries develop forest-based livelihood activities,” Juan said.

Aside from Juan, the agreement was signed by DSWD field office director Leticia Diokno and Jeremy Gustafson of the USAID.