18/03/2025
ADOPT-A-FOREST PROGRAM🌳💚
March 14, 2025
The Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs) of Barangay Cabatuan, Buhi, Camarines Sur, actively participated in the Adopt-A-Forest initiative. This effort was mobilized by the Buhi Barit Watershed Area Team (BBWAT), a unit under the Watershed Management Department of the National Power Corporation (NPC). The initiative was carried out through a collaborative program between the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) and the NPC, formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both parties.
Since 2004, multiple rehabilitation projects had been implemented under the Universal Charge - Environmental Charge (UC-EC) Petitions to restore open and denuded areas within the Buhi Barit Watershed Area Reservation. One notable project was a 30-hectare reforestation initiative in Barangay Cabatuan, which was executed under the UC-EC Plan 6 Petition from 2015 to 2018. However, data from BBWAT’s Permanent Monitoring Plots (PMP) indicated that the survival rate of the planted trees was only 72.92%, falling short of the 90% target. This shortfall was attributed to bush and forest fires.
To address this challenge and enhance the environmental benefits of the reforestation efforts, a replanting program was proposed under the Adopt-A-Forest Program. This initiative, in collaboration with the BLGU of Cabatuan, Buhi, Camarines Sur, was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). As part of the program, BBWAT and the BLGU of Cabatuan planted 8,500 seedlings across 5.1 hectares to restore and strengthen the local ecosystem and habitat.
To ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the project, the Buhi Barit Watershed Area Team (BBWAT), in partnership with the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Cabatuan, led by Hon. Felimon O. Calabines, conducted a third-party evaluation and inspection under the Adopt-A-Forest Program.
The inspection focused on assessing the survival rate, health, and overall condition of the trees. This collaborative effort underscored the commitment of both the NPC and the BLGU of Cabatuan to environmental conservation. By rehabilitating and protecting the reforestation site in Barangay Cabatuan, they promoted ecological balance and ensured the health and resilience of the watershed for future generations.
