A P533-million Jalaur River Basin Forestland Management Project was launched in Calinog town Saturday. 

The project which falls within the municipalities of Calinog, Lambunao and Janiuay is one of the three critical river basins in the country that had been approved for funding by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The two other are in Upper Magat and Cagayan River basin in Region I and Pampanga River basin in Region III.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Assistant Secretary Rommel Abesamis for foreign assisted and special projects said that the project aims to cover about 11,527 hectares (ha) forestland areas in the three mentioned municipalities covering 25 barangays.

He also noted that the 10-year project will also improve the socio-economic conditions and quality of life of more than 3,985 upland dwellers in the project site.

Abesamis meanwhile noted that the Jalaur River Basin has an estimated area of 157,355.75 hectares, of which 36,223.21 ha is a timberland while the 121,132.54 ha is an alienable and disposable area. 

Meanwhile, Sen. Franklin Drilon, who served as the keynote speaker of the event said that the FMP is a vital component of the P1.2 billion Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II.

The senator noted that the region’s forest cover is one of the lowest in the country, which is only about five percent.

“Forest management is very critical,” he said adding that reforestation is important to “restore the ecological balance that we need in this part of Panay.”

The senator noted that the JRMP II will benefit about 783,000 farm workers.

“We need this project to double our rice production. We will be again considered as the biggest rice producer in the country,” he said.

The project aims to strengthen agro-forestry support facilities like the rehabilitation of the 14.1-kilometer farm to market road and construction of 14 pathways, two hanging bridges, two concrete bridges and 17 kilometer irrigation pipeline system in the area.

For the sustainability of the project, Abesamis cited that through the Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) concept, the community shall be self-reliant in maintaining the proper conditions of their CBFM area.

He also urged the coordination of the local government units in all stages of project development.

Calinog Mayor Alex Centena, Lambunao Mayor Reynor Gonzalez and Mayor Frankie Locsin meanwhile pledged their commitment of support for the program.

Also present during the activity were Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. and 3rd district Congressman Arthur Defensor Jr. and DENR Regional Director Adeluisa Siapno.*