3 17 DENR BJMP and BLGU of Davao Occidental 5In support for the government’s greening program which is a primary mandate of the DENR, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Davao Occidental penned and sealed a Memorandum of Agreement with DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of the same province on March 14, 2023.

The MOA is an upshot of BJMP’s interest in actively participating in government’s environmental programs.

Through the MOA, BJMP commits to conduct tree planting, replanting, maintenance and protection of the said trees which will be bed out in the identified sites in the province.

On the other hand, the DENR-PENRO Davao Occidental shall technically usher the said activity by providing seedlings of forest tree species, conduct surveys and mapping of the identified areas and other necessary technical assistance.

The Barangay Local Government Units of Lacaron, Malita and San Isidro, Sta. Maria of Davao Occidental also engaged in the MOA to which they have identified the potential planting sites. The BLGUs willfully take responsibility and willingness to participate on the said activities instigated by the BJMP and DENR-PENRO Occidental.

OIC PENR Officer Amelda Vera Cruz said that for the next five years, the office shall put its best foot forward to ensure that the seedlings are protected from harm and destruction through keeping an eye on the said 1.5 hectares of planted trees.

JSupt Len John Bernal, the Officer-In-Charge of BJMP Davao Occidental, on the other hand, stressed that this environmental program gives a framework for lowering the ecological impact, developing environmental understanding, and raising awareness of environmental concerns and challenges of the province.