NEGROS Governor Eugenio Lacson has installed the 66 volunteers for peace and development from cities of Cadiz, Sagay and Escalante and Manapla town in Balay Kauswagan, Sagay City on October 18, 2021.
This collaborative program of the Provincial Government, Philippine Army and local government units (LGUs) is anchored on promoting forest governance strategies that include participatory and community-based approaches.
Under the program, the volunteers will be receiving monthly incentives of P1,500 each, starting July of this year.
Lacson said, "We should raise partners from the community who are serious in protecting our forest and also helping in the peace and order program."
"We should not allow degradation of the environment to happen," he added.
This activity is in support to the Provincial Integrated Water Security Program, which aims to protect and rehabilitate the watershed ecosystem, improve environmental awareness, strengthen the participation of local communities and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Pasaporte stressed the reemergence of endangered wildlife species in the forest reserve and the need to protect them.
He also thanked the volunteers for work with the Philippine Army to help maintain peace in the hinterland communities.
Marañon, for his part, said without peace, progress will not happen and so will taking care of the environment.
"We must work towards a sustainable future despite the pandemic," the mayor added.
Also present during the activity were Second District Board Member Pal Guanzon, Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III and other local officials, together with 303rd IB Commander General Inocencio Pasaporte, 79th IB Commander Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines and Cenro-Cadiz Forester Dante Espinosa, among others. (PR)