BOTOLAN, Zambales — Farmers in Botolan are set to benefit from new farming equipment provided through a partnership between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and two mining companies to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen community-based livelihood opportunities.
DENR Zambales Provincial Head Marife Castillo said the agency, together with Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation (ZDMC) and Zambales Chromite Mining Company, Inc. (ZCMCI), turned over farming implements and equipment to the Loob-Bunga Agro-Ecotourism Farmers Association, Inc.
The turnover ceremony was held in Barangay Nacolcol, Botolan, formalizing the partnership aimed at supporting the farmers’ agricultural activities and livelihood initiatives.
Castillo said the assistance is expected to ease the workload of farmers, improve farm productivity, and provide the association with additional capacity to pursue agro-ecotourism and other community-based livelihood activities.
The turnover was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the DENR, the two mining companies, and the farmers’ association.
Under the agreement, the association will also take responsibility for the maintenance and protection of a 9-hectare National Greening Program (NGP) bamboo plantation within its area of responsibility.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said livelihood support can strengthen the capacity of communities to become active partners in environmental protection and sustainable forest management.
“This is more than just a turnover of tools. It is an investment in the future of Zambales,” Pablo said, emphasizing that community livelihood initiatives linked to sustainable forest management can help make agro-ecotourism a lasting source of income while protecting the province’s natural resources.
The initiative forms part of the DENR’s continuing efforts to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities among communities involved in forest management.
Through partnerships with the private sector and people’s organizations, the DENR aims to help communities develop productive enterprises while strengthening their role in protecting and sustainably managing forest resources.