MOA to protect El Nido signed

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government of El Nido in Palawan recently signed an agreement to protect natural resources on the island.

Alexander Mancio of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area and Mayor Nieves Rosento signed the renewal of the conservation agreement.

“This covenant… is the right step toward achieving sustainability in El Nido, one of the most beautiful and biodiverse ecotourism destinations in the Philippines,” DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

“This partnership aims to implement and sustain ecotourism and other livelihood activities for the people of El Nido. The Malampaya Foundation Inc., another signatory, will train and provide livelihood programs for the people while our local officials, together with the local government, will support them,” Cimatu said.

Aracel Bacolod and Ricky Ballena, chairpersons of Barangays Bucanan and Buena Suerte, respectively, Policarpio Ramos of the Pagkakaisa Pagtutulungan Kalikasan Pakaingatan Ecotourism Service Cooperative and Plennie Candelario of Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Magsasaka, Mangingisda, at Kababaihan Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan ng Pamayanan also signed the agreement.

Signatories are expected to implement environment-friendly programs, including the establishment and maintenance of materials recovery facilities as well as tree and mangrove seedling nurseries.

Regular coastal and sea cleanup and patrol of the seas and forests of El Nido will also be conducted.

Cimatu said the agreement goes hand-inhand with the mission of Task Force El Nido to protect the 90,321-hectare key biodiversity area.