𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏

A technical meeting between the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Glan and the local government unit (LGU) of Malapatan in Sarangani Province was held on April 13 at the MMO Conference Hall Compound, Poblacion of the said town to discuss the regulatory requirements and policy recommendations for sustainable implementation of the expired and cancelled Certificate of Stewardship Contracts (CSC) of certain two (2) parties containing an area of more or less 7 hectares.

A decision from the Regional Trial Court and legal opinion from DENR Regional Office XII warrants outright cancellation of the contracts since both parties committed gross violations of the agreement under Technical Bulletin No. 11.

Mayor Salway Sumbo, Jr. along with MENR Officer Engr. Joey Palma Coliao and CENR Officer Dr. Rosalinda B. Cortez discussed avenues for collaboration for the overall wise utilization and protection of the area, resulting in a co-management agreement between DENR and LGU Malapatan.

CENRO Cortez recommended that the area be utilized as a Municipal Agroforestry Eco-Park, as the best option to conserve, protect and further develop the site. She said that it would contribute to the environmental improvement of the area through the planting of agroforest trees, which would help restore nature conservation and a large-scale transformation of both the social and ecological landscapes.

Furthermore, establishing an Agroforestry Eco-Park can be beneficial for a healthy forest that provides reliable clean water, climate regulation and productive soils. The said project will be a big help to strengthen and reinvigorate tourist inflow in the municipality of Malapatan for its aesthetic value and in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

Mayor Sumbo extended his overall support to the project and is willing to allocate a budget as soon as possible. A memorandum of agreement between DENR and municipality of Malapatan will also be formulated to recognize the collaboration and partnership of both parties. (With report and photos from DENR-CENRO Glan)