Negros Occ. extends rice assistance to farmers
Bacolod City (31 August 2005) -- A total of 360 bags equivalent to 18,000 kilos of NFA rice are being distributed to 253 farmer-beneficiaries in five sites around the Northern Negros Forest Reserve, now known as the Northern Negros Natural Park.
The rice assistance is a Food-For-Work scheme of the Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) and Rainforestation for Biodiversity Conservation Project of the Province of Negros Occidental, said Provincial Environment Management Officer Edwin Abanil.
The Province has allotted P2.65 million for the ANR Project which seeks to conserve and protect the forest biodiversity and provide good alternative income to upland farmers through the production of planting stocks, actual planting and maintenance of plantation, he added.
The project covers 250 hectares, of which 150 hectares are new project sites while 100 hectares are being maintained.
This is the first of four rice releases to farmer-beneficiaries in areas namely: Lantawan in Silay City, Magsaysay in Cadiz City, Gawahon in Victorias City, bunga in Don Salvador and Rizal in San Carlos City.
Abanil said the province has been implementing reforestation programs within the Integrated Social Forestry (ISF) areas and its adjacent areas but there are still several non-ISF areas that need rehabilitation. Most of these areas are grasslands and brushlands with few scattered trees and other patches of naturally- growing vegetation. The ANR Project is an appropriate reforestation strategy in these areas because it is cheaper, faster and easier. Such areas should be given special attention, as these are mostly located near the forest, he said.
As part of his Environment Agenda, Gov. Joseph Marañon has increased the allocation of the Provincial Environment Management Office to P30 million this year to intensify efforts on watershed rehabilitation; coastal resource management; solid waste management initiatives; forest protection, regulation and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations; and education, information and advocacy. (PEMO/PIA)
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=88332.0