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CASAFI participation boosts Mts. Isarog protection drive
by LS Macatangay

NAGA CITY (24 June 2005) -- The Archdiocese of Caceres has taken active involvement in the protection and rehabilitation of Mt. Isarog in Camarines Sur.

At the launching of the Mount Isarog Integrated Area Development Program (MIADP) on Wednesday, June 22, the Archdiocese through the CASAFI formally signified its commitment to a direct participation in safeguarding Mount Isarog and venturing on projects that would lead to its rehabilitation.

Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legazpi, Archbishop of Caceres and concurrent chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Caceres Social Action Foundation, Inc. (CASAFI) said that this endeavor is his vision for Mt. Isarog, motivated not just by ecology but by practical sense.

In his homily during the thanksgiving mass before the formal launching of the program, Archbishop Legaspi said that faith is the reason for the launching of the project.

Representatives from various stakeholders and institutions have also expressed their support and commitment for the program. Pili town mayor Tom Bongalonta said the local government unit would pass ordinances and resolutions, specifically citing rules for the protection of Mount Isarog.

Naga City vice-mayor Gabriel Bordado commended the Archdiocese for taking the lead in protecting the sanctuary that provides life support to a lot of living things.

Dr. Wilfredo Olaño, Camarines Sur State Agricultural College president, offered the institution's programs in providing support to MIADP.

He cited among others, the Institute for Environmental Governance that caters to environmental concerns, the Knowledge Center for Biodiversity with HARIBON Foundation, the Business Assistance Center in partnership with the World Bank, DTI and DOST, and the Center for Non Conventional Energy.

These departments, he said, will offer the best assistance they could to support efforts to rehabilitate Mount Isarog.
Rev. Fr. Nelson Tria, CASAFI executive director, said that the program will be undertaken in three components: Reforestation, alongside with biodiversity monitoring through policy and issue advocacy geared towards the conservation and rehabilitation of Mount Isarog; community based health care side by side with appropriate agricultural livelihood through livelihood micro enterprises; and capability building projects of NGOs, POs and NGAs to strengthen community-based organizations.

With the participation of the academe, LGUs, parish pastoral councils, non-government organizations, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) together with other line agencies, Mt. Isarog Guardians, and the media taking significant steps in safeguarding the mountain, the Archdiocese of Caceres is confident that the bounty of Mount Isarog will be enjoyed by the next generations, Tria said. (PIA Cams. Sur)

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