Turning environmental commitments into collective action, the University of Northern Philippines strengthened its forest conservation initiatives by convening stakeholders for a Consultative Meeting cum Field Visit aimed to ensure the sustainable management of a 20-hectare NGP plantation area in Santa, Ilocos Sur.
The activity convened key stakeholders from government agencies, local government units, the academe, and the community in a unified effort to strengthen the rehabilitation, protection, and long-term maintenance of a 20-hectare National Greening Program (NGP) plantation located in Barangay Magsaysay District. Through collaborative engagement and shared environmental responsibility, the initiative highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in advancing sustainable forest management and ecosystem restoration.
Spearheaded by Dr. Bondee Peñaflor, Head of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Program, the initiative brought together key officials, faculty members, and extension partners of UNP in advancing the university’s environmental sustainability agenda. Joining Dr. Peñaflor were Prof. Annaliza Europa-Morales, Head of the Environmental Management Office; Dr. Grace Garcia, OIC Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Lloyd Mata, Director of the University Extension Office; Dr. Charo Rojas, Head of the BS Biology Program; Prof. Ludivina Lozano, Head of BS Environmental Planning Program; Dr. Jill-Ann Paranada; Engr. Johnny Belizar, Director of the Infrastructure Project and Management Office; Engr. Charles Stephen Perilla; Forester Reginald Tajon; Ms. Renee Grace Tungpalan; and the University’s College Extension Coordinators. Their collective participation emphasized UNP’s commitment in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening partnerships toward sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.
The activity further gained the support and participation of key environmental partners and local stakeholders, highlighting a strong multi-sectoral collaboration for the sustainable management of the NGP plantation.
Among those who joined the initiative were Mr. Marvin Sarmiento, Chief of the Conservation and Development Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Ilocos Sur; Mr. Warly Talbo, National Greening Program Coordinator of DENR–Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bantay, together with CENRO personnel; Mr. Marlou Benaza, Executive Assistant to Santa Municipal Mayor Hon. Jeremy Jesus Bueno III; Mr. Mark Villalba, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer; and Hon. Ronald De Peralta, Barangay Captain of Magsaysay District.
Also present were representatives from the local government unit, partner agencies, and community stakeholders whose collective involvement reinforced the shared commitment to forest rehabilitation, environmental protection, and the sustained stewardship of the plantation area.
The discussions focused on assessing the current ecological condition of the project site, identifying strategic interventions for rehabilitation and maintenance, developing the Indicative Management Plan, and enhancing institutional collaboration among stakeholders. Through these coordinated efforts, UNP and its partners aim to establish a sustainable framework that will ensure the long-term protection, productivity, and ecological integrity of the plantation area.
In his presentation, Dr. Peñaflor emphasized UNP’s commitment of transforming environmental policies into meaningful and measurable actions through science-driven approaches, active community engagement, and strengthened partnerships among various sectors. He highlighted the importance of collaborative governance in ensuring the effective rehabilitation, protection, and sustainable management of forest resources.
The consultative meeting concluded with a renewed commitment among the University of Northern Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Local Government Unit of Santa, Barangay Magsaysay District, and community stakeholders to work collectively in safeguarding biodiversity, restoring degraded forest ecosystems, and advancing sustainable forest management initiatives. This shared commitment reflects a collective vision of preserving natural resources and building a more resilient environment that will benefit both current and future generations.
The consultative meeting served as a significant milestone in the implementation of the memorandum of agreement between UNP and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the sustainable management of a 20-hectare portion of the 50-hectare National Greening Program plantation.
Article By Daren Dawn C. Avila, Photos by Ludivina Lozano & Bondee Peñaflor
