by Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Negros Occidental unveiled on Thursday a small water impounding structure (SWIS) in Sitio Soso, Barangay Damutan in Hinoba-an, the southernmost town of the province.
The water system, which was constructed by the Damutan Agro Forestry Farmers Association (DAFFA) through the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will be used primarily to supply water to the nearby communities and for the management, maintenance and protection of the Enhanced National Greening Program (eNGP) plantations in the area.
PENRO-Negros Occidental head Edgardo Rostata reminded the farmers on the importance of taking care of their resources especially the water impounding facility which will provide them potable water supply.
He lauded the efforts of the DAFFA in initiating activities to strengthen their association through the implementation of the eNGP.
The DAFFA, which has 65 members, has also acquired livestock to augment their livelihood.
Cherry Sarnate, chairperson of DAFFA, expressed her appreciation to the DENR-PENRO in Negros Occidental for their assistance in the construction of the SWIS project.
The project blessing and inauguration was also attended by Mayor Ernesto Estrao, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Kabankalan head Rosievel Dimatulac, NGP provincial coordinator Cecil Canada, and Damutan village chief Warlito Mag-aso.
A municipal ordinance has declared a 1,000-hectare area in Barangay Damutan as wilderness and protected area to preserve its natural resources, and another 309 hectares as bat sanctuary.
