Talisay SP lets JVR sign MOA with RAFI

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council has authorized Mayor Johnny V. de los Reyes to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated (RAFI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to be partners in the protection, rehabilitation, and conservation of existing natural resources in the city. 

Councilor Antonio D. Bacaltos Jr., chairman of the committee on environment protection and natural resources management, in a resolution said the city is undertaking reforestation to increase the country’s forest cover. 

“Talisay City is a deep believer of sustainable development for its stakeholders, undertaking environmental protection initiatives to address the social needs of the community,” Bacaltos said. 

Under the MOA, the RAFI will coordinate, organize and tap organizations and institutions or individuals that provide assistance in the planting and nurturance of planted trees in Jaclupan and other sites within the LGU area of jurisdiction.

RAFI will also provide schedules of planting and nurturance to the LGU for information and guidance.

The RAFI has worked in undertaking effective and efficient interventions and initiatives to conserve, preserve, and rehabilitate the remaining forest cover of the country. 

The DENR, as a national government agency mandated for the protection, rehabilitation of the country’s natural resources, shall provide or recommend areas to the LGU of Talisay City as planting site for native trees.

Bacaltos said the city government will support and implement other on-going environment related programs like Billion Trees Program of the DILG and Our Cebu Project under the province of Cebu. (FREEMAN)