In another promising milestone of preserving the environment and ensuring the safety of TICATO LCA, Central Philippines State University signs partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German agency for international cooperation, to forge a path of collaborative action for the implementation of project BRIDGE or “Biodiversity and Restoration Initiative Development for Grassroot Empowerment,” held at the Accreditation center, CPSU-main campus last September 25, 2023.
TICATO covers the Tagukon, Inapoy, Camingawan, Tampalon and Oringao as local conservation areas (LCA) within the CPSU reservation sites. This groundbreaking initiative highlighted environmental issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental disasters that are evident in areas near river banks. Likewise, it includes development and economic growth, sustainability, public awareness, and steps for a promising future.
For. Dominic L. Billen, EMS Director, stated that the Project BRIDGE aims to strengthen the protection and management of TICATO areas, including the barangays along river banks of Ilog-Hilabangan such as Brgy. Orong and Camansi, since these are areas prone to landslides and flooding.
E2RB Project is a DENR Project implemented in the Ilog-Hilabangan River Basin. Ms. Dolores Nuevas, Sr.Coordinator -IH shared her insights on the significance of a plant species called "Miagos". In her talk, she stated that Miagos bush was identified in an assessment, as a good river bend, which can be a potential measure to address soil erosion and river bank stabilization. She also added in her statement that, "Many lives were saved because of the Miagos bush".
Dr. Aladino Moraca, CPSU President and proponent of the Project BRIDGE, responded to the statement, emphasizing the benefits of planting root crops for agrobiodiversity, safety and food security beneficial to the communities within areas covered by the project. He further highlighted the importance of forest preservation.
“Protecting and bringing back the real forest is one of the main goals of Central Philippines State University. This will help local farmers, communities and the next generations to come,” he added.
Signatories of the Local Subsidy Contract are Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, President of CPSU and Dr. Klaus Schmitt, Principal Advisor of E2RB Project.
Also, present to witness the event were the deans and directors of CPSU specifically Dr. Jimmy Degillo, Extension and Community Services director, Dr. Maryvic Pedrosa, Production and Enterprise Development director, Dr. Hanzel Pedrosa, CAF dean, Dr. Marc Alexei Caesar Badajos, VPAF, Dr. Chester L. Cofino, CCS dean, Dr. Manilyn Mananap, Valladolid Extension Class coordinator, Dr. Mae Flor Posadas, Dr. Mary Ann Dagunan, and students from the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), among others.
The said engagement undertaken by Central Philippines State University is more than just commendable; it is an essential step to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
As the event concluded, the CPSU sugarcane planters’ cash amelioration was awarded to 11 benefactors as presented by Dr. Maryvic Pedrosa. The said amount served as an acknowledgment to their hard work, dedication towards their work and to the University.
The Cenphilian
Photos: R. Macariola, BSAB 3 / The Cenphilian