SARANGANI...

the challenges of the plan, were also discussed.

Among these challenges, Dolom said, include “how to integrate the already existing programs and initiatives from different sectors in order to maximize the effort of the stakeholders.”

Another challenge anticipated will be the sustainability of the plan, including the monitoring strategies of each LGU.

With this, Globe Telecom partnered with USAID and distributed mobile phones to all local government units involved to help support the environmental law enforcement system of the LGUs.

A total of 36 mobile phones were given to be used for planning, recording observations, patrolling, monitoring, and security of threats through the Lawin Forest Protection System.

Lawin is an innovative system that combines forest condition monitoring using mobile phones, environmental law enforcement, water security strengthening, and local community participation in forest protection.

“The RDP is an urgent call for the rehabilitation and restoration of our ecosystem in the province,” PENRO Rolando “Bong” Tuballes said.

Dolom backed him up saying that “we really have to do interventions as early as now because the forest cover in Sarangani is declining and this problem will be intensified because of climate change.”

The RDP, according to Tuballes, is anticipated to be a 9-year plan as mandated by Governor Pacquiao. “The governor had a marching order to PENRO to have this flagship program on reforestation, conservation, and rehabilitation,” he said.

“The best time to plant a tree was 40 years ago, but the right time to plant a tree is now.” This was the battle cry of Tuballes as he urged LGUs and partner stakeholders to “contribute significantly” in this cause. PR