The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 supported the convergence program called Integrated Sustainable Assistance, Recovery and Advancement Program (ISARAP) by distributing more than P500,000 in cheques to ENGP People’s Organizations, apart from 291 patents to identified beneficiaries and tree seedlings to those who attended the events.
DENR-6 Assistant Regional Director for Special Concerns Ivene D. Reyes led the agency in supporting the ISARAP activity during its first leg in Silay City, Negros Occidental last April 8, 2022.
A total of Php 619,364.00 in cheques were distributed to three Peoples Organizations under the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) in Negros Occidental:
-Culipapa Upland Farmers Association (CUFA);
-Damutan Agro-Forestry Farmers Association (DAFFA); and
-Binitinan Tree Growers Association (BTGA).
Also gracing the event was Secretary Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr., Presidential Adviser on Streamlining of Government Processes; and PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata.
Moreover, 78 People’s Organizations under the jurisdiction of CENRO Kabankalan received their signed Letter of Agreements (LOAs) for the implementation of the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) in their respective areas.
Also, 13 POs received their LOAs for ENGP and one PO received their LOA for a retention fee.
Still in Negros Occidental, a total of 86 patents were distributed to land beneficiaries from Tangub, Bacolod City (18 patents) and Canmoros, Binalbagan (68).
In Iloilo City’s ISARAP event last April 9, the DENR 6 distributed 100 patents to the following: 50 patents received by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) of the municipality of Tubungan, Iloilo while the other 50 patents were received by the MENRO of the municipality of Tigbauan, Iloilo.
Also, two Peoples Organizations (POs) under the Forestland Management Project (FMP) received cheques for Php303,000 namely the Asosasyon sang Manugproteher sang Kabukiran sa Lambunao-AMAKAN in Lambunao, Iloilo (Php 164,000.00), and Aglobong Upland Farmers Association, Inc., AGUFA in Janiuay, Iloilo (139,000.00).
DENR 6 also entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Katilingban sang Pumuluyo nga Naga-atipan sang Watershed sa Maasin (KAPAWA-Maasin) as represented by PO President Rubenie Castellanes for the implementation of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
The participants during the ISARAP event held at the Iloilo Sports Complex also availed of tree seedling with the Provincial ENR Office (PENRO) Iloilo distributing 200 seedlings of Bugnay, Molave, Philippine Ash and Banilad, and also various IEC materials.
Joining ARD Reyes were Iloilo PENR Officer Salvador “Jun” Manglinong, Jr. and CENR Officers (CENROs) Vicente T. Mellizas, Jr. of CENRO Guimbal, Glenn S. Del Norte of CENRO Barotac Nuevo, and Rene G. Abordo of CENRO Sara.
In the province of Aklan, ARD Reyes again led the ISARAP activity in April 11, 2022 with Aklan PENR Officer Merlene B. Aborka and distributed a total of 105 patents to land beneficiaries. The event was held at the ABL Sports and Cultural Complex in Kalibo, Aklan.
“Our ENGP and patent issuances are just two of the many programs we are implementing in the Department which directly aid people in the communities. These programs not only respond to their needs in times of disasters or emergencies but are crucial in supporting their day-to-day needs,” DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said.
Beneficiaries of the ENGP and recipients of patent issuance can attest to the many benefits that were provided to them for many years now. With ISARAP, the DENR 6 is being proactively involved in the convergence program implemented and monitored by the Office of the President. (DENR-6)
