Power firm taps LGUs for watershed project
By Leander C. Domingo, TMT – December 20, 2018
from The Manila Times
A renewable energy provider has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with four local government units in the province of Ifugao to support integrated watershed management.
With the MoU, SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) is set to support watershed management projects in the municipalities of Banaue, Hingyon, Mayoyao and Lagawe for the protection and restoration of the Upper Magat Watershed through the “Partnerships in Uplifting Upland Natural Resources, Livelihoods and Assets (PUNLA)” program.
Lawyer Mike Hosillos, SNAP vice president and chief corporate services officer, said SNAP-Magat would extend financial assistance to projects that focus on the recommendations of the Upper Magat Watershed Management Study, and are harmonized with local resource management plans, one of which is the Ifugao Rice Terraces Master Plan (IRTMP).
He said PUNLA prioritizes watershed management programs such as enrichment planting activities, which entails diversifying the types of trees in the target area based on endemic species identified for that locality.
“Our other priorities include rice terraces repair and restoration programs such as stonewalling and improving the productivity of abandoned rice terraces. Similarly, livelihood and enterprise development projects will also be considered for funding through PUNLA,” Hosillos said.
He said they know they cannot do it alone but SNAP-Magat is committed to doing their part for environmental sustainability.
“Through initiatives like PUNLA, we want to plant the seeds that will enable not just SNAP, but also our partner communities, to reap the benefits of well-managed watersheds in the future,” Hosillos added.
