Freddie Yumang, VP for Refining of Petron Corp. and Charmaine Canillas, general manager of Petron Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement on the reforestation project with the provincial government headed by Gov. Albert Garcia and father, Rep. Enrique Garcia of the province’s 2nd District.
Roland Tanguilo, chairman of the Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Kagubatan (Samasaka) in Limay, witnessed the signing. Also present during the signing were Vice-Gov. Efren Pascual Jr. and members of the sangguniang panlalawigan.
The reforestation program is known as “Puno ng Buhay.”
The governor and the congressman described Petron under its president Ramon Ang as the biggest investor in Bataan. “It produces thousands of jobs, helps in the economic growth of the province and now into reforestation,” the governor said.
The young Garcia said the project will enhance the environment by preventing soil erosion, provides opportunity for eco-tourism and will create a bamboo industry that will become a source of livelihood for many.
Reforestation with the use of bamboos is sustainable that even when harvested, the bamboos will not die but continue growing so the forest will not be bald, he said.
Yumang said Petron has maintained its refinery in Limay town for more than 50 years. “Ang planta ay maipagmamalaki sa buong mundo pagdating sa technical na bagay but we also assure na may concern kami sa kapaligiran,” he said.
He said that wherever Petron has its facility, it has a reforestation project like in Bataan. “Ang reforestation project na ito ay hindi lang pang-maikling panahon but a long-term program na patuloy naming susubaybayan sa pangunguna ni Mr. Ramon Ang,” Yumang said.
“We are very excited about this program under public-private-partnership” said Canillas, also AVP of Petron Corp.
Tanguilo said the bamboo planting will benefit upland farmers like 120 members of their organization in the form of additional income. Bamboos are harvested after seven years.
