DENR moves to save Btac. Viejo watershed
As part of the initial steps of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the devolution of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) functions to the Local Government Units in support to the Green Philippines Program, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the DENR and the LGU of Barotac Viejo for a Co-Management of a 99.16-hectare small watershed located at Brgy. Rizal, Barotac Viejo, just recently.
Barotac Viejo Mayor Raul Tupas and DENR-CENRO Ernesto Arevalo representing the DENR signed the MOA in simple ceremony at the Governor's Office last September 24, 2006 with Mayor Roel Belleza of San Rafael, Iloilo and Mayor Mosqueda of Estancia, Iloilo stand as witnesses. Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas Sr. and DENR-PENRO Iloilo Valentin T. Talabero were also present during the MOA signing.
Green Philippines Program (GPP) is a brainchild of former DENR Secretary Angelo T. Reyes starting off with the Green Philippine Highways Program concept aimed to green national highways with different species of trees. GPP followed a thematic concept of uniform implementation nationwide.
DENR 6, Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio applauded this effort exerted by PENRO Iloilo field Office as an assurance for the successful implementation of the Green Philippines Program in close coordination and strong linkages with the LGUs. She expected more mutual agreements signed with the other DENR field offices and LGUs in their respective jurisdiction in the next weeks.
"Greening our environment through concerted efforts with all our stakeholders is the best way to combat the effects of climate change and global warming," Claudio said.