Pantabangan watershed gets boost from new 55-meter hanging bridge
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- On-going rehabilitations of the more than 44,000-hectare PantabanganCaranglan Watershed (PCW) now gets a needed boost as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), here in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), opened yesterday the 55-meter long Calaocan hanging bridge in
Bur gos village, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.
The facility is expected to become an essential component in the rehabilitation and development efforts at the PCW.
Paquito Moreno, Jr., executive director of DENR Central Luzon, said the bridge was funded by JICA as an Agroforestry Support Facility subproject in the 10-year Forest Land Management Project (FMP) in the PantabanganCarranglan watershed, which will connect farm areas to market towns, reduce transport cost of agricultural products, minimize post-harvest losses and, above all ensure easier access to social services such as health and education.
“This 55-meter Calaocan hanging bridge, which traverses the Deguireg river, will be of great help not just in the conduct of developmental activities within the watershed, but will likewise be fundamental in uplifting the lives of the local communities as this will serve as a channel to increase local trade and productivity,” he said.
He said the completion of the hanging bridge is one of the DENR’s strong commitments to uplift the socioeconomic well-being of local communities while conserving and protecting the environment.
Moreno also expressed his sincere appreciation to JICA for their generosity
ANGELES CITY--About 52 cats and dogs received free spaying and neutering from the city government as part of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr.'s advocacy to put a premium on animal welfare.
To date, 614 cats and dogs have undergone free neutering and spaying since the kick-off of the program in August, according to Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel said.
Lazatin’s Chief Adviser and Tactician Director IC Calaguas said the city government allotted P5 million for the free neutering and spaying of 1,000 pets, as well as free anti-rabies vaccines for 30,000 pets in the city.
On November 27, City Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Christian Arcilla, along with 12 veterinary doctors in the city voluntarily offered their free service to the city government for the mass spaying and neutering program.
The private veterinary doctors are Dr. Joanna Marimla; Dr. Mocca Gonzales; Dr. Marc Ian Gonzales; Dr. Jennifer Bati; Dr. Lorielyn Galindez; Dr. Precy Magtoto; Dr. John Christopher Mangalus; Dr. Amiel Angeles; Dr. John Luis Aguceta; Dr. Michelle Tulabut; Dr. Mya Leana Abaoag; and Dr. Marjorie Carreon.
Manuel stressed that the free neutering and spaying campaign, initiated back in August through the City Veterinary Office, aims to help more Angeleños become more responsible pet owners.
“Gusto nating tulungan yung mga kababayan natin mas maging responsible pet owners, lalo na yung mga hindi afford na ipa-spay or ipa-neuter ang mga alaga nila,” she said.
Manuel added that the program started with stray animals housed at the City Hall Animal Pound.
Moreover, Dr. Arcilla explained that spaying and castration are “two of the most effective means of animal sterilization, and can help control unwanted animal populations, and the spread of rabies.”
Any pet owner who wishes to avail the service for their cats and dogs can book an appointment with the City Veterinary Office, or message their Facebook page.
Calaguas, together with Manuel and Dr. Arcilla on November 27, 2020 awarded the Certificates of Appreciation to the 12 volunteer veterinary doctors who rendered their free service during the free neutering and spaying for cats and dogs.
Meanwhile, Lazatin also appropriated P10 million for the improvement of the City Animal Pound.