MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Taking part in the 13th celebration of Adlaw ta Kitanglad, the Philippine Federation for Environmental Concern (PFEC), an environmental non-government organization, formally started implementing its program in the municipality of Talakag and the city of Malaybalay, both in the province of Bukidnon that is aimed at helping the communities to effectively manage the natural resources of their Community-Based Forest Management Areas (CBFMA) andat the sme time engage in sustainable livelihood activities.

In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on Nov. 12 and entered among various stakeholders in Imbayao during the third day celebration of this year's Aldaw ta Kitanglad,  PFEC will spearhed the implementation of the project, "Empowering and Uplifting Socio-Economic Development of Communities Through Renewable Natural Resources Management and Social Enterprises."

According to PFEC Executive Director, Roger Z. Guzman, Ph.D., the project manifests PFEC's commitment to help indigent communities achieve socio-economic development through responsible management of natural resources that provide them a source of livelihood.

The MOA was signed by Dr. Guzman on behalf of PFEC, Dr. Victor M. Barroso on behalf of Bukidnon State University, Narzal R. Munez on behalf of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Talakag (CENRO-Talakag), DENR-10, Regional Executive Director Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr. on behalf of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, City Mayor, Florencio T. Flores on Behalf of the City Government, and Buena Silan on behalf of the Communities and CBFM Peoples Organizations and CBFM-PO Federation in the Province of Bukidnon.

"This project aims to strengthen the capacities of communities at the local level in partnerships with LGUs, and other sectors such as government and non-government agencies and institutions, academic and research institutions, religious sector, civil society, atc. on promising community enterprises such as plant-based essential oils production," Dr. Guzman said.

Stakeholders' Role

Under the MOA, PFEC will provide technical assistance and expertise including fund counterparts for the projects/activities identified by the partner communities which are consistent with PFEC program.

On the other hand, BSU will provide support on the conduct of research and development studies and in the development of intellectual capital for target sectors on tools and learning aids development and knowledge management system.

The Mt. Kitanglad PAMB will provide continuous technical assistance to communities to develop the manpower base for Protected Area Management (Mt. Kitanglad PA) and the various stakeholders, particular the indigenous peoples living within the park. It is also expected to sustain community based non-destructive livelihood project on essential oil production and other livelihood projects that may hereafter be identified.

Meanwhile, the City Government of Malaybalay will provide an enabling policy environment to support sector growth and thriving of community-based MSMEs and forest management; facilitate local multi-stakeholder decision making process; and provide support for community planning and management.

The CENRO - Talakag will provide technical assistance to enhance agro-forestry development and other activities to address climate change; monitor activities in accordance with the approved work and financial plan; facilitate organizational meetings and workshops.

Finally, the Communities/CBFM-PO Federation are expected to actively initiate the conduct of regular meetings and consultations with their constituents for the identification and updating their communities' needs; call the attention of pertinent local LGUs, CENROs and BSU on the inclusion of programs and projects and their implementation; and provide detailed and prioritized activity proposals for appropriate action of the pertinent LGUs, CENROs/PASU, PFEC and BSU.

Why Bukidnon?

In identifying potential project sites, PFEC has to consider the working relationships with various sectors, collaborations as well as modalities of effective partnerships. In the case of Bukidnon, communities, LGUs, line agencies, academic institutions and the civil society have shown interest and cooperation in planning and implementing the program. Once jumpstarted, the program will run from 2009 untill 2011. ###