On May 29, 2018, a whopping 300,000 citronella clumps were distributed to farmers, organizations, and other agencies at the Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF) in Canaman, Camarines Sur.

The mass distribution was organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Tabang Bikol Movement (TBM), and MPCF in collaboration with the local government of Canaman and People’s Organization of Disaster Survivors (PODIS).

The representatives of the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) Vicente Aniceto D. Rubio, Ariel S. Esteban, Rina E. Jamuat together with Chairman Jorge T. Palma and Dr. Marilissa J. Ampuan attended the DA’s program dubbed as “BaliKasan (Balik Kalikasan): Pagheras Part 2 Libreng Citronella para sa Taniman Bayan.”

Citronella grass plant is native to the tropical areas of Asia. Some farmers grow citronella grass and other agronomic crops as possible livelihood for Conservation Farming Communities (CFCs) through manufacturing of soap, scented candles, and essential oils.

Being a recipient of citronella clumps too, the MNWD plans to cultivate citronella grass in the proposed Farm Tourism area within the Septage Treatment Facility Compound, Sitio Caromatig, Carolina, Naga City and adjacent to its watersheds within the Mt. Isarog Natural Park (MINP) and hopefully, become one of its primary producers in the region. (Auria S. Gonzales)

CITRONELLA MASS DISTRIBUTION. The MNWD as one of the recipients of the citronella clumps during the mass distribution conducted at Mariners Canaman last May 29, 2018.