200 volunteers mobilized to beef up forest protection, conservation drive

About 200 community-based environment volunteers were mobilized by the Negros Occidental Provincial Government to intensify the protection and conservation of the remaining forest covers in the province in collaboration with the 303rd Army Infantry Brigade.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the oath-taking ceremonies of the volunteers in San Carlos and Sagay Cities yesterday, Oct. 18 in the presence of mayors from the first and second districts and 303rd Brigade Commander Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte.

The same activity was conducted at Silay Civic Center for volunteers of the 3rd district.

The province has set aside a P1,500 incentive for each volunteer per month starting July this year, which will be released within this month.

In his speech, the governor lauded the effort of the volunteers in the restoration and protection of the remaining forest covers as a driving force to ensure that watershed areas are secured to produce steady supply of water in the community.

“This enhances the capacity of the forest to meet the ecological, socio-cultural and economic needs of the community and promoting governance strategies that include participatory and community–based approaches the prevent the further degradation of forest and surrounding areas”, Lacson said.

The creation of the community- based volunteers based in the hinterland boundaries of Districts 1, 2, and 3 aims to intensify massive environmental campaign under the supervision of the 79th Infantry Battalion, 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

Some of these volunteers were tapped to conduct regular monitoring and foot patrol operations within their communities.

The undertaking is part of Lacson’s commitment under ABANSE Negrense development agenda through the Provincial Integrated Water Security Program to strengthen sustainable development, empower communities, forest protection, and increase ecological awareness.* (Capitol PIO)