MOU signing with DENR-Sarangani Energy Corp. and LGU Maasim

DENR XII, SEC, LGU ink pact to protect Sarangani Bay sanctuary

(September 25, 2018, Koronadal City)- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XII signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maasim in managing and protecting Malbang Marine Sanctuary in Maasim town, this Tuesday.

The MOU is part of the Adopt-A-Reef Program of the DENR as a mechanism in strengthening the involvement of the community in the protection and conservation of the natural resources along Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS).

The DENR as represented by Regional Director Nilo B. Tamoria has been recognizing the significant role of public and private sectors, LGU and community partnership for a sustainably managed Sarangani Bay.

For its part, Mr. Yori Limatta, SEC Plant Manager expressed their desire to work with DENR in the management and protection of Malbang Marine Sanctuary and the development of beach forest as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

“SEC as part of the power group is happy to be part of the community. We want to prove that the power plant can co-exist with the marine sanctuary. We would not put anything directly to the sea from the power plant,” Limatta said.

Meanwhile, Hadja Didaw D. Piang-Brahim, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services reminded LGUs and Peoples’ Organizations (PO’s) on their environmental responsibility. “We have to strengthen our efforts in conserving and protecting the seascape. The LGUs including barangay chairman and PO’s operating in the protected area have a big responsibility as elaborated in Republic Act (RA) 1178 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System (ENIPAS),” ARD Brahim said.

Under the MOU, LGU Maasim will provide consultation dialogue to the local community on the do’s and don’ts in the protected area especially in the Strict Protection Zone.

Hon. Uttoh Salem D. Cutan, Mayor of the Municipality of Maasim said that Maasim is now moving for the networking of marine sanctuary. “We are grateful for the SEC in taking the responsibility to protect and conserve Malbang sanctuary,” Mayor Cutan said.

“The people in the community are now involved through the PO’s and this simply means that they have to be at the forefront in safeguarding the protected seascape,” he added.

Engr. Mama G. Samaon, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of Sarangani Province underscored that community participation could lead to effective management of coastal resources.

“Communities are the custodian of the environment thus active involvement of all citizens is encouraged,” PENRO Samaon said.

DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2016-26 known as the Guidelines for the implementation of Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management Project (CMEMP), a national program which aims to comprehensively manage, address and effectively reduce the drivers and threats of degradation of the coastal and marine ecosystems.