The provincial government of Negros Occidental, through the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), together with the Sipalay city government, conducted a cash subsidy payout at the Brgy. Gil Montilla Gymnasium Nov. 20.
The cash subsidy supports seedling production initiatives by partners in the Productive Landscape and Tree Growing for Sustainable Sipalaynon (PLanTSS) program. This funding enhances their capacity to cultivate diverse seedlings, aiding reforestation and sustainable land management in Sipalay.
The reforestation project being implemented by the city, through the Environment and Natural Resources Office, was funded by the Capitol under the Integrated South Western Negros Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) Conservation Management and Development Program, which aims to protect and restore significant biodiversity hotspots in the region.
This comprehensive program involves various strategies to enhance ecosystem health, improve environmental sustainability, and engage local communities in conservation efforts to promote ecological balance, improve biodiversity, and support local livelihoods through sustainable practices, the city said Nov. 21.
Eighty-six project-partners from barangays Nabulao, Maricalum, Mambaroto, Cabadiangan, Manlucahoc, Camindangan, San Jose, and Canturay, have collaborated to produce 115,000 assorted seedlings of fruit and endemic forest trees. This initiative significantly supports local reforestation efforts and promotes ecological balance.
PEMO admin officer Natalia Joquiño, admin staff Danmark Tupas, City Environment and Natural Resources officer Leo Chua, senior environment specialist forester Reynante Aplicy, and city ENRO staff were also present during the payout. ||
