Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia is set to partner with the Aboitiz Group for Carbon PH Project, an ambitious environmental initiative aimed at reforestation and watershed recovery in the province.
This collaboration was brokered during Gov. Gwen’s meeting with Aboitiz Group representatives, namely: Anthony Noel (Vice President for Corporate External Relations); Quennie Bronce (Visayan Electric Reputation Enhancement Manager); and Cyel Auza (AVP for Operations at the Aboitiz Integrated Economic Centers Cebu).
The Carbon PH Project is the first multi-partite reforestation and watershed recovery effort by the Aboitiz Group, demonstrating a commitment spanning about 40 years.
The project targets the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) and its surrounding areas, covering approximately 13,000 to 15,000 hectares within CCPL and an estimated 25,000 hectares of adjacent forest land.
The primary goal of the Carbon PH Project is to provide a robust, long-term solution for watershed recovery by planting trees, addressing the diminishing water sources in Cebu Province.
The objectives include increasing biodiversity and forest cover, creating resilient communities through job creation and sustainable livelihoods, and boosting local economic growth.
Environmental benefits of the project include watershed recovery through integrated watershed management, increasing forest cover and the presence of endangered plant and bird species, and developing forests capable of withstanding super typhoons and extreme droughts.
Socio-economic benefits encompass sustainable green livelihood programs such as eco-tourism and agroforestry, job creation in forest management and eco-tourism, skills enhancement, attracting sustainability-conscious investors, and promoting natural parks and forest sanctuaries to boost tourism.
Bamboo will be one of the key plants to be grown in the Carbon PH Project due to its significant role in flood control. Bamboo’s extensive root system helps to stabilize soil and absorb large amounts of water, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion.
“I want this project to be truly realistic,” said Governor Gwen Garcia, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring the project’s success.
A memorandum of agreement will be signed to formalize this collaboration between Cebu Province and the Aboitiz Group, marking a significant step towards achieving the environmental and socio-economic goals of the Carbon PH Project.
Gov. Gwen is also considering working with the Aboitiz Group in planting trees along Mananga River, a major water source for MCWD. The Capitol has ongoing efforts of desilting which began in the summer when water production was scarce. | JT