By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

In line with the Philippine government’s National Greening Program (NGP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has assured stronger support to support Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) environmental projects. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis said DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu committed funds to the university’s nipa plantation, tree wall and bamboo projects in a meeting conducted last January 20. 

While actual amounts are currently being finalized by both agencies, PSCA hopes “that the funds will further forward MMSU’s environmental effort toward real and quantifiable impacts.” 

First, the nipa project will focus on propagation for ethanol production.  In 2018, MMSU led the establishment and maintenance of a 170-hectare nipa plantation, receiving most of DENR’s provision of Php 50 million to eight universities.

Second, DENR vows to support the university’s plans to intensify its massive tree wall project. 

“The allotment of 1,050 hectares for forest reserve is now included in our Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan,” she shared. 

Launched in 2018, the tree wall project aims to bring back the arid areas surrounding the MMSU campus to life. This shall also develop a mini forest and orchard to sustain the university’s agro-forestry projects.

Lastly, PSCA bared plans to establish bamboo plantation to sustain its bamboo project. Initially, the university received Php 1.2 million fund from the Department of Agriculture to strengthen bamboo production system in Ilocos Norte.

NGP is a banner program of DENR that aims to enhance the country’s natural resource conservation, protection and rehabilitation that is geared towards climate change adaptation and mitigation. (StratCom)