4th DBP Forest starts with private partner

State-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has launched its fourth and biggest DBP Forest project in San Isidro, Talakag in Bukidnon Province in partnership with four community-based forest management peoples’ organizations (POs) and the private sector. The Bukidnon project likewise marks the first partnership with a private firm – the Japan-Philippines Latex Technology Inc. (JPLT) – in the establishment of the DBP Forest. And also a first community-based rubber plantation in the country.

DBP president and chief executive officer Reynaldo G. David said the government financial insitution will collaborate with the Talakag Agro-Industrial Development Area Multi-Purpose Coop (TAIDAMCO), Liguron-Dagundalahon-Sagaran Farmers Association (LIDASAFA), Kaliliangan United Forest Farmers Association (KUFFA), and the Magsasakang Bubuhay sa Likas Yaman Inc. (MABUHAY) in the long-term development of a 2,000-hectare rubber tree plantation that is expected to contribute in the rebuilding of the Philippine natural latex industry.

These forest partners will undertake actual planting, cultivation, maintenance, and other necessary rubber plantation activities.

The DBP will provide funding for the reforestation project which is also projected to benefit 829 families in the area by encouraging rural livelihood activities. At the same time, the project intensifies the bank’s environmental protection efforts under the DBP Forest program.

The Bukidnon project marks a partnership between a GFI, POs, and private firm, JPLT.

The firm will provide the necessary technical expertise and financial resources for project development, including the development and implementation of skills development programs in financial management, quality control and other necessary skills in rubber plantation operations and management.

It will also provide values formation and livelihood training programs and related employment opportunities for members of the partner POs and their families. Periodic project monitoring will also be undertaken to ensure the survival and growth of the planted species.

The DBP Forest Program was launched in April this year to support and encourage the forestation of open and denuded areas through the planting of relatively high value fruit trees and other useful plant species. Other DBP Forest project sites are in Abucay, Bataan; Alabel, Sarangani; and the Marilog district, Davao City.

With an initial seed fund of P50 million from the KfW of Germany, the DBP Forest is envisioned to contribute to the protection of coastal areas and the conservation of soil and water in the uplands, while improving spawning grounds for terrestrial and marine aquatic life. In the long run, it also aims to help in the development of downstream industries in the countryside. – Ted Torres