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DBP launches reforestation |
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Written by Abucay, Bataan
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Tuesday, 17 May 2005 |
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The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) launched here recently the "DBP Forest," a reforestation program that seeks to support and encourage the forestation of open and denuded areas through the planting of relatively high value fruit trees and other useful plant species.
DBP has partnered with two community-based forest management people’s organizations (POs), with the support of the DENR and the local government of Abucay, Bataan, for the reforestation of a 20-hectare mangrove area in Barangay Mabatang. The POs—the Kinikilalang Mangingisda ng Mabatang, Inc. (Kimama) and the Balikatan ng mga Mangingisda para sa Bakawanan, Inc. (BAMABA)—will undertake actual planting and cultivation of the identified project site. Reynaldo G. David, DBP president and chief executive officer, said that with an initial seed fund of P50 million from the KfW of Germany, the program is envisioned to contribute to the protection of coastal areas and the conservation of soil and water in the uplands, while improving spawning grounds for terrestrial and marine aquatic life. In the long run, it also aims to help in the development of downstream industries in the countryside. The DBP forest site in Abucay, Bataan has been identified in response to the need to develop the mangrove resources in the area in order to enhance and support livelihood activities in these coastal communities. He added that the project is expected to enable the beneficiary communities to increase their yield as each reforested hectare is projected to result to a corresponding increase of one ton in fish catch. |
