The Government Internship Program (GIP) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 2 takes a share in accelerating the growth and survival of bamboo and other trees planted in the valley's forestlands in support of the National Greening Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

 

A total of 14 beneficiaries under the DOLE-GIP who rendered three-month services were engaged in plantations’ maintenance and protection activities within the 38-hectare bamboo plantations in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Cagayan.

Activities such as geotagging, foot patrolling, replanting, ring weeding, soil cultivation, and brushing have contributed to the growth and high survival rate of bamboos and other trees planted in the area.

 

The DOLE-DENR partnership started in 2020 engaging the 205 Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced workers (TUPAD) has also resulted in improved riverbank stabilization and solid waste management programs of the Department.

 

120 workers planted bamboos along the easement area of the Cagayan River and 50 conducted cleanup and clearing operations within the Regional Government Center (RGC) in the same year after Super Typhoon Ulysses hit the region; and another 35 beneficiaries cleaned along the RGC premises in 2022.

 

In a recent meeting with DOLE key officials, Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of DENR Cagayan Valley sought the support of the DOLE to sustain the maintenance and protection activities of the Department’s reforestation program.

 

“Through the government internship program, the community members-beneficiaries are given the opportunity to earn a living at the same time augment the government efforts in its fight to address climate change through massive planting activities,” said Director Bambalan as she thanked the DOLE officials for extending their support to the greening efforts of the Department.

 

Meanwhile, DOLE Regional Director Joel Gonzales appreciated the assistance of the interns for their contribution to environmental protection programs.

 

“We in our Department ensure to provide an improved labor and employment system as evident in our collaboration with other government agencies,” he emphasized.

 

In October 2022, a Memorandum of Agreement between and among the DOLE, DENR and Department of Trade and Industry was inked to seek intervention on bamboo reforestation sustainability; promote bamboo business industry; and extend financial assistance for the engagement of GIP and TUPAD beneficiaries.

 

Director Gonzales also approved in the meeting the 90-day renewal of the 14 GIP beneficiaries and 60-day engagement of the 35 TUPAD workers for a massive cleanup within the Regional Government Center in Carig, Tuguegarao City and maintenance and protection activities in clonal nurseries and at the Mechanized and Modernized Forest Nursery in Lannig, Solana, Cagayan.

 

The signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the said partnership renewal is tentatively set on Feb. 14, this year.#