COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) – BARMM, through the Environment Management Services (EMS), and the Agumil Philippines Incorporated – Buluan Palm Oil Mill in Buluan, Maguindanao, initially inked on 19 March 2021 a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for an Adopt-an-Estero program between the two entities.

The Adopt-an-Estero program is a collaborative undertaking between and among the donor-partner, local government units and government agencies which aim to clean a water body and sustain its cleanliness.
“We aim to conserve and protect our environment,” MENRE Environment Management Services Director Jalani M. Pamlian said.

Pamlian also expounded the “polluter pays” principle, stating that “those who produce pollution should bear the costs of managing it in order to prevent damage to human health or the environment.”

“As part of the agreement, the company is committed to collaborate with MENRE in order to help protect the environment,” Resident Manager Jeffrey Kibtian said.

Agumil Philippines Incorporated – Buluan Palm Oil Mill, being the donor-partner, will conduct surface-clean up and implement needed intervention in Buluan river within one month from the execution of the agreement.