Upland communities receive Capitol assistance for environmental and livelihood projects

Gov. Bong Lacson led the turn over of seedlings, processing equipment, farms tools, and logistical support worth a total of P5,363,650 to the 46 upland communities of the province, intended for the development and management of the upland ecosystem, and livelihood assistance to communities.

The projects namely, Support to the Upland Ecosystem Management Program, Provision of Livelihood Opportunities to Upland and Coastal Women, and Support to Pangiplan Watershed, are all in partnership with with the eight cities and 13 towns of Negros Occidental.

The ceremonial turn over of the projects was held at the Capitol grounds in Bacolod City, this morning, spearheaded by the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO).

The implementation of the projects will ensure that the natural resources are sustainably utilized and managed to avoid exploitation of the province’s natural resources, increase the number of trees, and contribute to livelihood support of the communities.

Meanwhile, the logistical support and equipment of the community-based monitoring teams will also strengthen their effort in the protection, conservation, and rehabilitation of the Pangiplan Watershed located in the Fifth District of the province.

Executive Assistant to the Governor for PEMO Affairs, Atty. Julie Bedrio, said that the projects are support of the provincial government to the upland communities, and the beneficiaries are partners of the province in environmental protection.

The grafted fruit tree seedlings were distributed to accredited associations in the municipalities of Murcia, Ilog, Cauayan, and Hinoba-an, and the cities of Kabankalan, San Carlos; coffee seedlings were distributed to Don Salvador Benedicto, Hinobaan, Toboso, and Kabankalan City; while the cacao seedlings were given to La CAstellana, Isabela, EB Magalona, Don Salvador Benedicto, SAgay City, Sipalay City, and Kabankalan City.

The coffee processing equipment were turned over to accredited associations in Kabankalan City, La Castellana, Calatrava, Candoni, Murcia, Victorias City, Silay City and San Carlos City.*