“This is one of the most significant events in the history of the continuous efforts of the office of ENRE in protecting and preserving the environment.”, Jalilah Sumaguina said, the ENRE-Environmental Specialist, during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the ENRE and eight piloting municipalities of Lanao Del Sur on December 2 for the formulation of the latter’s respective Forest Land Use Plans.

The Community ENRE Officer of Lanao del Sur, Asnawi A. Dataman, said that the project is a flagship program of Minister Akmad A. Brahim and Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua, to ensure effective management and ecosystem services under the Joint Circular 19-01, the MENRE and LGU, together with other government agencies, should undertake a Forest Land Use Plan as an integrated policy of comprehensive land use plan.

“Our office will not succeed in protecting the forest without the support of the local government units,” Dataman said. Also, some of the local government units shared their messages in support of the implementation of the project.

Representing the MENRE, Forester Sobair Macabinta stated that, the Ministry envisions to strengthen their approach with local government units and to other stakeholders to sustain the ecological system of watershed through the formulation of this FLUP.

It was a remarkable milestone for the LGUs to be included in the pilot project of FLUP under the Special Development Fund, as for Atty. Dimnatang Pansar, Chairperson of Mayor’s League, Lanao del Sur. He also stressed that this is an important occasion.

The signing of the MOA ended in positive development for forest protection and other remaining environmental natural resources in the province of Lanao del Sur. He expressly believes that the forest destruction is equated to destruction of life.

Further, Forester BM Fahad Arimao quoted, “Be part of the solution not the pollution.”

“Tulong-tulong tayo to save the remaining forest in our area. Kung hindi natin maalagan ito, Lake Lanao will be affected. Sana magkaroon tayo ng ordinance regarding our environment,” Forester Pili Papandayan concluded.