Department of Environment and Natural Resources signs a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement with the Army 3rd Regional Community Defense Group to boost forest protection and greening programs in Central Luzon. (DENR)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) with the Army 3rd Regional Community Defense Group (3RCDG) to boost forest protection and greening programs in Central Luzon.
DENR Regional Executive Director Paquito Moreno Jr. said this will be fundamental in the quest to conserve the country’s natural resources, particularly in the enrichment of existing plantations and in the rehabilitation and protection of forestlands.
“The Army has been among our steady and reliable partners in environmental stewardship. Their consistent support is a big boost not only in our anti-illegal logging campaign but in our conservation efforts as well,” Moreno emphasized.
DENR Assistant Secretary for Administration and Legislative Affairs Joan Lagunda explained that the Army served as a strong support system of DENR in defending the country’s natural resources against environmental crimes which have grown bolder over time.
“Criminal elements have become bolder, and our ecological wealth, if left undefended, is an easy target for unscrupulous groups. Hence, we must keep watch and continue to act against environmental threats with the help of the Army,” Lagunda stressed.
Under the MOPA, Ready Reserve Units (RRUs) of the 3RCDG will adopt a non-contiguous 20-hectare existing plantation in each province.
These areas identified by DENR Provincial and Community Offices will be planted with endemic species. RRUs are tasked in the maintenance and protection.
For his part, Army Reserve Commander Major General Fernando Felipe vowed to continuously support DENR in its environmental protection programs, noting that achieving environmental sustainability is paramount to realizing just and lasting peace.
Forest protection activities of DENR in Central Luzon, in collaboration with security forces, have resulted in the apprehension of about P2.5 million-worth of suspected illegal forest products.
The agency likewise filled cases against over 40 individuals allegedly involved in these activities. (CLJD-PIA 3)
