GTZ Turns Over P3.2M MRELC Project In San Roque
By Qurico M. Gorpido,Jr.
Brgy. San Roque,Macrohon,So.Leyte-The German Technical Cooperation(GTZ) now called GIZ(German International Cooperation) has turned over a P3.2M Mangrove Resource and Environmental Learning Center building here during the recent Friday.
Dr Walter Salzer,Program Director,GIZ enRD program has handed the symbolic key to Governor Damian Mercado with the presence of Congressman Roger Mercado and Vice-Governor Miguel Maamo,11.
The GIZ official disclosed that it took a long time before the German Ministry of Economics had finally released the funds for the aforesaid project.Salzer expressed his hope that the principal aim for the construction of the edifice could really serve its purpose. Like as learning center for the fisher folks and farmers, teaching concerned agencies to really achieve food security and to know the necessary knowledge of practicing sustainable development.
He also expressed his appreciation of Sogod Bay, but warned that in order to preserve the Bay there’s the need to apply environmental laws and fishery code seriously; stressing the cooperation of fishermen in the provincial level is of utmost importance.
The GIZ representative also urged the folks and officials in all coastal municipalities involved with mangrove plantations to protect and preserve them.
Recalling Burma’s cutting of all mangrove trees naturally grown along deltas to give way to opening up new rivers and other project, h e said, the people there have paid a high price of their denuding act when their areas were greatly inundated killing thousands of people. Mangrove trees, that are the natural habitat for fishes, also serve as blockades and breakwaters to flooding during heavy rains and typhoons.
Moreover, he urged Congressman Mercado to give his full support of the Land Use Plan Bill in Congress which is now in its second reading.
Salzer explained that with a law in Land Use Plan its provisions would serve as guidelines. “Which land is for the preservation of natural resources, which land for the sustainable development of any projects and which land are really designated for housing projects or which land is strictly devoted for agricultural development”, he said.
Congressman Mercado who expressed his profuse thanks to GIZ told Salzer that he will support for the approval of the Bill on Land Use Plan.
Both Governor Mercado and Vice-Governor Maamo also expressed their heartfelt thanks to GIZ for providing funds for the MRELC in Southern Leyte.
He also enjoined the Mayors to implement the environmental laws in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
The Governor further said the provincial government shall be appropriating funds for the maintenance of the MRELC.He revealed the provincial government with DENR MOA has targeted 10,000 trees to be planted. “We have started planting trees in a 1,200 hectares in Malitbog area”,he said.
Eva Abad, PENRMO head, claimed that the launching of Mangrove Greenbelt Project in 10 municipalities here could serve as mitigating measure to combat climate change.
She said the training center is also aim to: 1)Educate the fisherfolks,farmers and sundry on the importance of the preservation and conservation of our environmental resource 2)Showcasing mangrove farming and aqua-culture; 3) Conduct training skills in the protection and conservation of marine life, agricultural development,etc.
Furthermore, the GIZ Principal Adviser on enRD program ahs turned over various gadgets and equipments to 8 municipal Mayors to strengthen their Bantay Dagat activities on illegal fishing.
Namely: lifevests, megaphones,GPS equipments,searchlights,waterproof flashlights.
(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)
N>B> Please be informed that Panny’s Homebake products(with free WiFi spot) has transferred to its new and better location a t Saint Joseph College new building at Tomas Oppus St.,brgy.Tunga-Tunga,Maasin City, Southern Leyte.
N.B. Zip Southern Leyte,First Tandem Zipline in Eastern Visayas
For more details contact the following persons/offices:
1) Sogod Municipal Tourism Officer Robe Estillore,tle.no.(053)382-3186;
2) Mr. Nedgar V. Garvez,Provincial Tourism Officer,tel. no.(053)570-8300;
3) Provincial Governor /Damian G. Mercado, tel. no.(053)570-9018.
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