The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol Region through its Regional Executive Director, Atty. Antonio Abawag (4th from the left) presents the five out of the 49,509 bamboo culms (Bambusa blumeana) to be planted for riverbank stabilization in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Catanduanes on February 9 to 12, 2021. Some 551 residents have been hired to plant bamboo culms in the towns of Bula, Lupi and Sipocot in Camarines Sur; San Lorenzo Ruiz and Basud in Camarines Norte; Polangui and Guinobatan in Albay; and San Andres in Catanduanes. In return, they were compensated with food packs pursuant to the memorandum agreement signed by the DENR with the Department of Social Welfare and Development under its Food-for-Work Program. The activity is in line with the government’s Build Back Better Program to strengthen recovery and rehabilitation efforts in typhoon-hit areas. Also in photo are: (L-R) Engr. Aris Hermoso from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Ms. Merlie Bongon of the National Irrigation Administration, Regional Director Engr. Guillermo Molina, Jr. IV of the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region V, Ms. Grace Cariño of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources-Camarines Sur, and Mayor Amelita Ibasco of Bula town. ##