DAVAO CITY –– Aiming to revitalize and reforest the country’s highest mountain peak, the Mt. Apo Natural Park, the directors of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR XI) and Philippine National Police (PNP-XI) signed up an understanding, on March 11, 2021.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stipulates that both parties agree to revitalize forest protection and forest law enforcement activities and to establish forest nurseries within PNP training camp and adjacent areas of Strict Protection Zone (SPZ) which shall be planted in the identified rehabilitation areas within the MANP.
Pursuant to MANP-Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Resolution No. 2007-06, the PNP has been allocated with 100-hectare within the Multiple Use Zone (MUZ) of MANP, particularly located at So. Lutangan, Brgy. Kapatagan, Digos City. Davao del Sur.
“It is only a stepping stone towards a bigger future in forest protection management in our protected areas.”, said For. Marcia G. Isip, DENR XI’s Asst. Regional Executive Director for Technical Services, adding that it is not just for the DENR and PNP but for the citizenry as well.
PNP XI’s director, PBGEN Filmore B. Escobal said that the understanding also lines up with their agency’s program- the Pulis Makakalikasan. “It is also embedded in our core values- Maka-Diyos, Makatao at Makakalikasan.”, Dir. Escobal added.
Through the said MOU, it is expected to provide an opportunity for both agencies to strengthen collaborative mechanism in forest protection and rehabilitation of Mt. Apo Natural Park.
“With our partnership and with this new endeavor that we have entered into, I am truly hopeful that this becomes a success not only to our respective agencies but also to the status of Davao region’s environment.”, stresses DENR XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco. The MOU was signed by Evasco representing the DENR-XI while Brig. Gen. Escobal signed for PNP-XI. Signing as witnesses are DENR XI’s Marcia G. Isip and PNP XI’s oic- Regional Logistics and Research Development Division Lt. Col. Rodrigo Benedicto H. Sarmiento, Jr
