On May 29, June 3, 9 and 11, 2020, the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) sealed partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), and Office of the 3rd District Representative, respectively, for the strengthening and livelihood development of the Conservation Farming Communities (CFCs) within the buffer zone of the Mount Isarog Natural Park (MINP).

The said partnership aims to provide assistance to the CFCs through livelihood programs that will eventually support and sustain their basic needs. This will help lessen if not eliminate the threat and sheer dependence of the CFCs in the natural resources of MINP thereby, ensuring environmental protection and sustainability of Mt. Isarog through collective efforts from other government entities and private organizations.

Apart from creating a self-sufficient community, the agreement highlights the collaboration of all stakeholders involved with equally important responsibilities for the purpose of protecting, conserving, and rehabilitating the watersheds and promoting community development to maintain a safe water supply system in Camarines Sur.

MNWD as the proponent of this agreement, shall take the lead in the overall coordination and negotiation on matters supporting the development and implementation of programs and projects for the CFCs and agri- ecotourism activities within the Septage Treatment Facility Compound, Sitio Caromatig, Carolina, Naga City.

Likewise, DOST shall provide the technical, consultancy services, and other assistance that may be identified appropriate and agreed upon by the parties to strengthen and develop the livelihood of the CFCs who are along the buffer zone of MINP.

DA on the one hand, shall conduct hands-on-training on farm production and dispersal of fruit-bearing seedlings and seeds, high value crop seeds, and other planting materials including marketing strategies to facilitate market matching, among others.

On the other hand, CBSUA shall provide technical assistance through science and technology advisories, capacity enhancement program, technology transfer and commercialization which can be extended by the state university to ensure success and productivity of the livelihood and farm tourism program for the CFCs.

Lastly, the Office of the 3rd District Representative shall bridge the CFC to government and private organizations that offer livelihood trainings to promote community development and livelihood opportunities and provide resources within the capacity of their office to realize projects and programs intended to the purpose of this MOA.

Despite this outbreak, MNWD remains committed to fully protect MINP. We learned that collective effort has always been and continues to be the best solution to achieve success and sustainability. MNWD firmly agrees that through the support of the stakeholders, MINP and the Naga River Watershed will be able to maintain its environmental integrity. (APVSGonzales)

GM Virgilio B. Luansing I (seated right) with 3rd District Representative Hon. Gabriel H. Bordado, Jr. (seated left) during the MOA signing held at the MNWD Conference Room assisted by the Environment and Water Resources Division (EWRD).

RODEL P. TORNILLA, Regional Executive Director and SAAD Focal Person (seated center) and officials of DA with GM Luansing I (seated rightmost) and OIC-Department Manager Vicente A. D. Rubio signed the agreement on June 9, 2020 at the DA Head Office in Pili, Camarines Sur.

SUC President IV, DR. ALBERTO N. NAPERI (2nd from left) sealed the partnership with MNWD under the commitment of providing technical expertise to the beneficiary families residing within the buffer zone of MINP.

On May 29, 2020, Provincial Science and Technology Director, PATROCINIO N. FELIZMENIO signed the memorandum of agreement in support to the MNWD project initiatives advocating for a pollution-free and healthy environment as well as in generating opportunities for the CFC families.