To help boost environmental conservation efforts in the Province of Cebu, San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI) has pledged to support the reforestation and watershed recovery project spearheaded by Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (AFI) in partnership with the Cebu Provincial Government.
Edwardo Co, the Logistics Manager for the Visayas of SMFI, made the announcement during a meeting at the Capitol that discussed the improvement works being done along the Mananga–Lusaran riverbanks.
Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr. led barangay officials from his city, as well as officials of DENR, EMB, and MCWD at the meeting held at the Capitol Gallery on September 20.
The initiative is part of the “Tree-Growing Project”, an ambitious project that aims to reforest the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) and its surrounding areas over the next 40 years, covering approximately 29,000 hectares of land.
Aside from Cebu Province, the Cebu City Government and the Talisay City Government are also part of the initiative, especially since Mananga and Lusaran rivers supply water to the Metro Cebu Water District, which in turn cater to the water needs of Cebu City and Talisay City residents.
During the meeting, Governor Gwen recommended planting bamboos along the riverbank to help prevent flooding and improve water flow. The MCWD has also committed to providing seedlings for the reforestation efforts.
The reforestation project will also have significant environmental benefits by absorbing carbon dioxide, thus aiding in climate change mitigation. Local communities near the CCPL stand to gain from this initiative through sustainable job opportunities in areas such as forest management, eco-tourism, and agroforestry, which will contribute to local economic development.
The Capitol has also embarked on a desilting project along Mananga and Lusaran rivers, removing accumulated sediment from the riverbed to restore and maintain optimal water flow, prevent flooding, and improve the ecological health of the river.| MAM
