The provincial government of Negros Occidental has entered into an agreement with land claimants for the implementation of the Provincial Initiative for Forest Conservation and Protection under the Tambara Watershed Project, which entails a shared responsibility in the sustainable management of forest and land resources.
The ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement at the Capitol in Bacolod City May 19 was witnessed by partners and stakeholders, representatives of participating communities, Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO) personnel, and local government partners.
The Tambara Watershed Project, located in Sitio Tambara, Brgy. San Fernando, Talisay City, aims to protect and manage a water catchment area to ensure a sustainable water supply, prevent flooding and erosion, conserve natural resources, and support nearby communities.
Under the agreement, the claimants will be hired as forest rangers or caretakers on a job order basis for the security and cultivation of their respective areas. They will receive a 60 percent share in the produce from the cultivation of these areas, the Capitol said.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the initiative reflects the commitment of the provincial government and partner-communities to safeguard forests and conservation areas.
These areas are more than just protected landscapes as they sustain biodiversity, provide vital water resources, support livelihoods, and contribute to the long-term ecological security of Negros Occidental, he stressed.
Lacson said that watersheds, such as Tambara and Malogo, play a critical role in the Provincial Integrated Safe Water Program, stressing that protecting forests is directly linked to the health, welfare, and future of communities.
“This initiative reflects our belief that environmental protection and livelihood can go hand in hand,” he added. “By providing opportunities for forest rangers and caretakers, we encourage communities to become partners in conservation while supporting their families and future.” ||
