Title: MNWD signs MOA with Partner Agencies re Development of Conservation Farming Communities within the Buffer Zone of Mt. Isarog Natural Park

MNWD Board of Directors Chairperson Aquiles D. Lo and Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat and other representatives of partner agencies spearheaded the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement together with Civic organizations. This Joint Efforts focuses on Strengthening and livelihood Development of Conservation Farming Communities within the Buffer Zone of Mt. Isarog Natural Park held yesterday at the MNWD Function Hall.

The said MOA aims and emphasizes the collaborative efforts of the partners on Watershed Management and Protection of Mt. Isarog Natural Park, for the sustenance of the main source of underground water, through the Conservation Farming Community Support Program.

This program involve activities such as trainings, counseling, infrastructure, and viable entrepreneurial opportunities for family-beneficiaries’, the families relocated from the protected areas, and improved their quality of life.

To continue the park reforestation, MNWD Board Member Jorge T. Palma, MOA program presenter, encouraged stakeholders to support and “Adopt a Site” in the said park. For more details, please feel free to contact telephone number 473-7813 loc 103 and/or look for Engr. Vicente D. Rubio of MNWD Environmental and Engineering Department.

The MOA partners included the Department of Agriculture (DA) represented by Regional Executive Director Abelardo Ragas, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with Provincial Director Edna S. Tejada, Philippine Army’s 9ID with BGen. Ferdinand M. Quidilla, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) with SUC President Dr. Georgina J. Bordado, Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology (BISCAST), Dr. Richard H. Cordial, Bicol Habitat for Humanity Foundation Inc. by its President Raymond L. Concepcion, Rotary Club of Naga by its President Francia Canlas, and Metro Naga Chambers of Commerce and Industry-TRIAS’ (MNNCI-TRIAS)President Gilbert N. Alberto and the 3rd District of Camarines Sur Representative, Hon. Leny Robredo, represented by Hon. Gabby Bordado, Local Government Unit of Pili by Hon. Alexis S. San Luis, the Local Government Unit of Naga, and MNWD.

The meeting and MOA signing was also witnessed by other members of the MNWD Board of Directors, MNWD Management, Government Officials from the Local Executives, Government Agencies like Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) and the Naga City –ENRO.

Also present in the event were representatives from water utilities, association of colleges and universities, Mount Isarog Guardians (MIGS), consumers and media practitioners.

MOA Signing- (R-L) MNWD Board Chair Aquiles D. LO, Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat, City Kagawad Gabby Bordado, Rotary Club of Naga President, Ms. Francia Canlas, CBSUA Vice-President for Administration, Mr. Ramon Arimado.

Standing (R-L): DTI Provincial Director Edna Tejada, MNCCI-TRIAS President Gilbert N. Alberto, Bicol Habitat for Humanity President Raymond Concepcion and Mr. Ernesto Imperial.

The MOA Signing Ceremony on Strengthening and Livelihood Development of Conservation Farming Communities Within the Buffer Zone of Mt. Isarog Natural Park, January 27, 2015 at MNWD Function Hall.