Ipilan Nickel Corporation (INC) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office (PENRO), selected barangays from the municipalities of Brooke’s Point, Española, and Bataraza, and 136 family beneficiaries for an important reforestation project.
The MOA, which was initiated to support the National Greening Program (NGP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), details the specific and respective duties and responsibilities of each party in the implementation of the tree replacement plan and program of INC, in accordance with the provisions of the Special Tree Cutting and Earth-balling Permit (STCEP).
The project focuses on planting approximately 1,450,319 seedlings across an identified land area of 879.04 hectares to help restore and expand forested areas, benefiting the local environment and supporting regional biodiversity.
INC said in a press statement that the MOA is essential in ensuring that the planting and care of the trees meet environmental standards.
“It also encourages community involvement, with 136 family beneficiaries directly engaged in the planting effort, by fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility toward environmental conservation while providing potential economic benefits to the local community,” the statement said.
“Furthermore, this momentous event marks a significant milestone for INC, demonstrating its steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and community support while collaborating with local governments and communities to make a meaningful impact on forest restoration and ecological conservation,” it added.
