A project seeking to protect communities in Benguet province against forest fire hazards by using Maguey (Agave cantala) as greenbelt is now being implemented, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) has disclosed.
The DOST-PCAARRD funded the project, titled “S&T Action Frontline for Emergencies and Hazards (SAFE) for Forest Fire Hazard in the Watersheds in Bokod and Tublay, Benguet Province Using Maguey (Agave cantala) as Greenbelt.”
“A government project will improve watershed resilience from climate change and ensure protection against fire hazards in Bokod and Tublay, Benguet province using Maguey (Agave cantala) as greenbelt,” the Council said in a statement.
“It will also provide more livelihood opportunities in the province through the production of crafts using Maguey fiber.”
The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau - Watershed and Water Resources Research Development and Extension Center (ERDB-WWRRDEC) serves as the implementing arm of the project.
During the first year of implementation, communities in Barangay Daclan, Tublay, and Barangay Bobok-Bisal, Bokod in Benguet Province are expected to benefit from the project.
These barangays house the Benguet Pine Seed Production Areas (SPAs).
“The explicit establishment of the perimeter Maguey greenbelts within the SPAs is a promising technology to protect the seed sources of quality planting stocks for afforestation and reforestation purposes,” the DOST-PCAARRD said.
“Apart from maintaining and protecting the greenbelt, the second year of implementation will encourage local government units’ (LGUs) partnership with the communities in strengthening the policies on forest fire management.”
The Council said it expects an increase in livelihood opportunities through fiber craft production in the target areas during the project’s final year of implementation.
It cited that various farmers’ organizations, Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources Offices (MENROs), Sangguniang Barangay Committee on Environment, and Barangay LGUs rallied behind the project.
“The partners’ commitment towards achieving the project’s objectives was fortified through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between ERDB-WWRRDEC and the host Municipal LGU/Barangay LGU.”
Among the initial accomplishments of the project include the survey and collection of Maguey bulbils, training of host communities on Maguey production, Greenbelt establishment, and forest fire prevention and control, the DOST-PCAARRD said.