DBP Inks MOA with GSCWD for the Protection of the Watershed

05 May DBP Inks MOA with GSCWD for the Protection of the Watershed

Protecting the environment especially the existing watersheds within the region will not be prospered only by the effort of a single agency. Like what Helen Keller says “Alone we can do little; together we can do so much.” A joint effort of different agencies will have a great impact to the progress or development in taking care of the environment. Collection of Ideas to create plans is one of the important actions to be done in order to achieve a significant result.

A collaborative activity of General Santos City Water District (GSCWD) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) through its DBP Forest Project will make a remarkable outcome in protecting the environment especially to the area in Sitio Tinefulan, Brgy. Maligo, Polomolok, South Cotabato which is under the Mount Matutum Protected Land Scape (MMPL). The DBP Forest Project is an initiative of Development Bank of the Philippines that started in the year 2005 with its objectives not only to support and encourage greening and reforestation of the country but also prevent soil/coastal erosion, absorb rainfall, conserve water and also to promote biodiversity, protect and restore habitat as well as mitigate climate change. (Source: https://www.dbp.ph/corporate-social-responsibility-programs/dbp-forest-program/. )

One Hundred (100) hectares of open area based on the proposed plan will be planted with endemic species of hardwood. Aside from improving the forest area by growing endemic species, one the purposes of the project is to help the community within the boundary through a livelihood program. The aim of the said program is to shift the activity of the community like slash and burn, to planting of crops that will give them extra income.

GSCWD will also coordinate with Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Region XII in the implementation of the project. Likewise, the safety of the workers and visitors to the proposed Forest Project site is supported by the Local Officials of Barangay Maligo, Polomolok, South Cotabato through a Barangay Resolution.

By combining efforts of the involved agencies, sustainability and harmonious relationship will be achieved.

By Ergie D. Pabon