DENR launches agroforestry project

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region XII, Koronadal City launched recently a 50-hectare agro-forestry project in Koronadal City.

An outlay of over P1 million was earmarked this year from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) funds for financing the project of the Abesco Cooperative. This people’s organization has an existing community-based forest management (CBFM) agreement with the DENR.

The project is expected to benefit 187 active members of the cooperative and their families. It involves the development of a 50-hectare parcel of the 800-hectare open access area of Abesco as programmed under the cooperative’s five-year work and financial plan. At least 25 hectares have programmed for rubber plantation while the remaining 25 hectares will be planted to mango intercropped with upland rice, corn and vegetables.

Forester Leonisa C. Alfaro, DENR-South Cotabato’s chief of the CBFM unit cited the project’s rationale. “The project is one way of uplifting the living condition of our rural people and in fighting hunger among the vulnerable sectors of our society. Planting cash crops while waiting for the harvest of the long- term crops is most beneficial to the members. We all have to give our full support to the project,” Forester Alfaro explained.

The ABESCO Cooperative is chaired by Alberto Fluk. – Benny Enriquez