DENR-7: MOA with Argao does not include Jampang

CEBU, Philippines - The regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has clarified that the Memorandum of Agreement it signed with the municipality of Argao does not cover the disputed upland area of Barangay Jampang.

The clarification was issued by director Isabelo Montejo following a legal tussle between the agency and the local government unit over the cutting of trees in the said barangay.

“We signed the MOA with Argao following the approval of their Forest Land Use Plan. But the MOA does not affect Jampang. This joint MOA doesn’t mention the area where a case is ongoing,” Montejo told reporters.

Under the co-management MOA, DENR is task to provide technical assistance to Argao, provide policy updates and Information Education Communications or advocacy materials to the Municipality of Argao, assign the CENRO to co-chair the Argao Steering Committee that will be formed to oversee the implementation of the FLUP and other forest management and biodiversity conservation related activities in the muni-cipality.

The town of Argao, for its part, shall develop and provide budgetary support, and implement annual work plans for implementing its FLUP based on Natural Resource Management Plan jointly prepared with DENR.

Further, the LGU has to pass necessary resolutions and ordinances for the effective and timely implementation of the legitimized and approved FLUP and enforcement of forestry regulations in the Municipality of Argao consistent with national laws and policies, designate the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office to be the main responsibility center for implementing the FLUP and biodiversity conservations.

The town of Argao has to initiate and lead the creation of the Multi-sectoral Argao Steering Committee that will regularly meet to review and provide oversight in the implementation of FLUP including the activities of the forest protection teams and enforcement of forestry regulations in the municipality.

Massive information dissemination has to be led by the municipal government to affected sectors.

An office area has to be established where regular updates, information, schedules, expenditures, targets, responsible persons, and other data could easily be seen and accessed by local stakeholders who need information about the FLUP implementation of the Municipality of Argao.

The MOA signing was done December 9 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.  (FREEMAN)