DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla recently granted P10M worth of Enhanced National Greening Program (eNGP) projects for new plantations to various people’s organizations (POs) during the launch of Central Antique Convergence Area held at Valderrama, Antique.

According to Milla, Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has expressed that programs and projects of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources should be brought to the countryside starting in the Province of Antique and to other provinces nationwide.

Cimatu said this will “promote greater peace and security towards sustainable and resilient environment and economic progress that will change the lives of our people.”

Among the POs are Bakiang Upland Farmers Association, Cananghan Upland Farmers Association,CulyatIraynonBukidnon Tribal Association, Iglinab Upland Farmers Association, Ipayo Tree Growers Association Inc. and San Ramon Upland Farmers Association. Also awarded with projects were Marigne Upland Farmers Association, Idao Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Association, Mayabay Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Association, Narirong, Tabong-Tabong, and Tig-alaran Farmers Association.

The e-NGP is one of the 10 Priority Programs of Cimatu which aims to provide opportunities for communities to develop social enterprises, produce sustainable livelihood and optimize benefits, and encourage local government units, and organized upland communities in the development of forest plantations including forest parks.