REFORESTATION PARTNERSHIP. Officials from the local government unit (LGU) of Quirino, Isabela and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Sub-Office in Roxas recently inspected the five-year old Gmelina plantation in Sto. Domingo, Quirino town.

The 150-hectare plantation under the National Greening Program (NGP) was awarded to LGU Quirino in 2016 after its Forest Grazing Lease Agreement expired in 2015.

Julius Miguel, municipal planning and development coordinator (former Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer) said they joined the NGP to show their commitment to environmental preservation.

“Our municipality allotted budget for the establishment of perimeter fence to secure the area. The budget we received form DENR were used for the preparation of the site and for the seedlings we initially planted,” Miguel said. He also said they hired workers for nursery establishment, seedling production and for maintenance and protection.

“Dito na rin sila nakatira para mabantayan ang plantation lalo na kung magsisiga ang mga may ari ng katabing pastulan. Sayang ang pinaghirapan namin ng limang taon kung masisira lang,” he added.

According to Jose Queddeng, NGP coordinator, LGU Quirino tapped barangay officials, 4Ps and TUPAD beneficiaries to conduct planting and maintenance and protection activities. He also said Egrets, migratory birds, have frequently visited the area.

Joining the visit were PENR Sub-Office Isabela In-charge Proceso Canapi, LGU Quirino MENRO Francisca Diago and PENR Office Isabela personnel.#