TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit of Palompon and Oceana Philippines International had forged a partnership through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) intended to mutually benefit both agencies through the sharing of expertise, information, resources, and technical capabilities particularly in the mangroves restoration program among others.
Prior to the MOA signing, held on Nov. 8, officials from Oceana Philippines had made an initial visit to Palompon Mayor Ramon Oñate for the establishment of coastal greenbelt zones along the coastal municipalities in the 4th district of Leyte.
The Oceana Philippines International believes that restoring mangrove forests through the establishment of coastal greenbelt zones will effectively contribute to addressing the declining fish stocks and unabated destruction of coral reefs and other habitats, and ultimately provide food security and livelihood for the community and the Filipinos.
“The LGU Palompon recognizes the urgent need to assessing, rehabilitating, conserving and protecting the whole environment of Palompon, from mountains to forest and rivers, to the coastal and marine environments, following the environmental management principle of integrated protection and planning of these interconnected ecosystems called “Ridge-to-Reef”, Mayor Oñate said.
He added that they recognizes that partnership arrangements with competent institutions are vital, considering the extent of technical and scientific necessities to ensure environmental protection and sustainable resource management of the ecosystem’s natural resources.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
