17/12/2025
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐ ๐
๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga, under the leadership of OIC-Regional Executive Director Maritess M. Ocampo, has sealed three Tripartite Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with mining companies and local government units to strengthen reforestation efforts under the National Greening Program (NGP) in the Province of Dinagat Islands on December 15, 2025 at the Gateway Hotel in Surigao City.
Covering calendar years 2026 to 2028, the agreements advance the โAdopt-an-NGP Siteโ Project, which fast-tracks the rehabilitation of degraded lands through strong private sector participation and active community involvement. The partnerships support forest restoration, ensure mining companiesโ compliance with tree replacement requirements, and generate livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The first agreement brings together the DENR, SBT Mining Corporation, and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Sering, Basilisa. Represented by Vice President for Operations Michael L. Pekson, SBT Mining committed to partially comply with its Tree Replacement requirement by adopting 19.6 hectares of graduated NGP sites in Barangay Sering. The project involves the production and planting of 32,654 assorted indigenous seedlings. The barangay government, led by Punong Barangay Joevane S. Lapore, will handle seedling production, plantation establishment, maintenance, and site protection, with a total project cost of โฑ1.28 million.
The second partnership involves DENR, Libjo Mining Corporation, and the Municipal Government of Libjo. Represented by Vice President for Operations Edgardo V. Caringal, Libjo Mining will fully implement its Tree Replacement obligation by adopting 25 hectares of NGP sites in Barangay San Antonio. The company committed to produce and plant 62,500 indigenous seedlings, while the LGU of Libjo, under Mayor Melody L. Compasivo, will carry out project implementation. The agreement carries a total budget of โฑ2.17 million.
The third MOA pairs DENR, Stagno Mining Corporation, and the Municipal Government of Libjo. Represented by Resident Mine Manager Engr. Jenny Rose T. Gabuyan, Stagno Mining will partially comply with its Tree Replacement requirement by adopting another 25 hectares of graduated NGP sites in Barangay General Aguinaldo. The project also targets the production and planting of 62,500 indigenous seedlings, with the LGU of Libjo overseeing implementation. The total project cost is โฑ2.17 million.
The three agreements cover an aggregate of 69.6 hectares of NGP sites, committing to the planting of 157,654 indigenous seedlings over the next three years. DENR-PENRO Dinagat Islands, headed by OIC PENR Officer Nathaniel E. Racho, will provide oversight to ensure proper implementation, timely validation of accomplishments, and sustained collaboration among all partners in advancing forest restoration in the province.
