CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 12 (PIA) – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) chose two people’s organization (POs) to do their Reforestation Program in two Samar provinces affected by the Sta Rita-Quinapondan 69 kV Reforestation Project.
These POs have proven their track record in earlier contracts with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
San Antonio-Tinaogan-Cambayan Farmers Association (SANTIFAMCA) based in Barangay San Antonio, Basey, Samar and the SamarSur Upland Farmers Association in Giporlos, Eastern Samar were entrusted by NGCP with the project.
While NGCP is aware that this project can have effects in the environment, specifically cutting trees, it said that the project is necessary to bring better powerlines and improve system’s reliability to Eastern Samar to spur economic development.
In compliance with DENR Memorandum 2012-02 requiring them to replace cut trees, NGCP entered into MOA with DENR and the people’s organizations mentioned.
Rolando Robin, President of the PO in Basey thanked the NGCP and DENR for the project. The farmer said that their coconuts were heavily damaged by typhoon Yolanda, the NGCP reforestation project can help them while they are waiting for their coconuts to bear fruit.
Jonathan Fiel who talked in behalf of SamarSur farmers promised to ensure the 80% survival rates of the seedlings they will plant in the hills and mountains of Giporlos and Balangiga in E. Samar.
Fiel added that with the contracts on the greening project their lives have been better.
Julia Echavez, head of the Environmental Management Bureau of the NGCP added that their involvement in tree planting goes beyond compliance. (ajc/nbq/PIA –Samar)
