GREENIN Philippines gains more support

CEBU, Philippines – The Generation, Redemption, and Expansion of Natural resources Initiatives in the Philippines (GREENIN Philippines) program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. has gained more support from different sectors.

RAFI yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement with 14 individuals and institutions for the restoration of the country's biodiversity through the program.

RAFI president Roberto Aboitiz said it is not just the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that has the stand in support of making the Philippines greener but also other groups and individuals. With collaborative effort and consciousness of the program, he added there will be balance approach about the greening entities.

Under the agreement, the partners will collaborate and support them by adopting the GREENIN Philippines while the RAFI will serve as program integrator and process holder in coordination with the partner in the planning and implementation of the program.

The GREENIN Philippine Program is anchored on the lessons and insights gained from years of undertaking sound and viable environmental interventions. It is designed to enhance and maintain environmental integrity by restoring biodiversity.

The RAFI created and developed the program in an effort to contribute to the country's commitment to the achievement of Goal 7 of the Millennium Development Goals which is to ensure environmental sustainability by reversing the loss of environmental resources.

Dominica Chua, RAFI's chief operating officer, said some of the towns in the Province of Cebu have already started planting trees.

She said the nursery in San Francisco, Camotes and Aloguinsan are rich in different kinds of plants.

The GREENIN Philippines is not just in partnership with the private sectors but also with the local governments through the mayors under the leadership of the Capitol.

Chua said that with this kind of support they are getting from both the private and public sector, she is expecting the program to become a big success. (FREEMAN)