The Federation of Cattle Raisers Association of the Philippines (FCRAP) through the Cagayan Valley Region Ranchers Association (CVRRA) has recognized the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 under the leadership of Regional Executive Director (RED) Gwendolyn Bambalan for improving the grazing management areas in the region.

 

FCRAP President Martin Gomez and CVRRA President Roberto Agcaoili appreciated RED Bambalan for her commitment to environmental sustainability and her initiative in taking the lead for organizing the first CVRRA, during the National Cattle Congress on April 27-28, this year in Echague, Isabela.

 

In September 2022 during the 1st Forest Land Grazing Management (FLGMA) Summit, RED Bambalan started efforts with the FLGMA holders to ensure food security through adopting climate-resilient and science-based grazing management approach.

In the Congress, Director Bambalan presented the status of the FLGMA and the agency's efforts in assisting the holders in the region.

In Cagayan Valley, more than 19,000 hectares are allocated for grazing area. However, as of June 2022, only 9,000 hectares are utilized under FLGMA with existing 52 holders.

 

The regional environment chief enjoined potential cattle raisers to apply for the 25-year grazing agreement and utilize the remaining allocated regional grazing management areas.

 

As ways forward, Director Bambalan encouraged the FLGMA holders to join the biophysical assessment to be conducted by DENR composite team.

 

"I enjoin our FLGMA holders to rehabilitate and improve their grazing lands awarded to them and ensure the sustainable use of these pasture lands," Director Bambalan said.

 

To ensure food security, she encouraged them to increase cattle production in their respective areas in consonance of the requirements, policies and regulations set by the DENR.

 

"Rest assured of our support towards a stronger collaboration with the Cagayan Valley Region Ranchers Association," added Director Bambalan as she pledged to realize Region 2 to be one of the successful implementers and contributers to improve the cattle industry in the country.

 

Meanwhile, an environment exhibit featuring FLGMA success stories and other major programs of DENR was set up at the national congress. Seedlings and information materials were distributed to the participants and visitors.#