Sarangani LGUs partner with ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan’s Green Initiative

By CHARITO S. ANSAGAY

MAITUM, Sarangani (January 7, 2014) – “The way for the country to go is through taking care of our environment and its natural resources,” said Regina Paz Lopez, managing director of the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ALKFI) during her visit in Sarangani on January 4-5.

Lopez, who is an active advocate of preserving the environment,visited Sarangani after a series of strategic planning workshops on tourism organized by the province.

Lopez handles the Green Initiative of Bantay Kalikasan, which is a joint program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and ABS-CBN Foundation. Its main objective is to protect
Philippine biodiversity and help uplift the lives of the people.

Recently, Green Initiative has listed Sarangani to be among the focus areas in the country. Sarangani, according to National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), is still in the list of the poorest
provinces during the first quarter of 2012, despite its gift of nature.

Two sites were considered in the province - the village museum in Lamlifew, Datal Tampal in Malungon and river tubing adventure in New La Union in Maitum town.

The Bantay Kalikasan team, accompanied by the officials and tourism officers led by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon conducted assessments after each tour. Recommendations and suggestions from the community, LGU and Green Initiative came up during the dialogue. These are useful tools to develop the sites and services further.

“This partnership will mostly benefit the people in the communities. We take care of our resources and use it appropriately. This project is not just all about promotions and marketing our place and invite more tourists, but for our people to have sustainable sources of income,” Governor Solon said.

A memorandum of understanding is underway.  The government and ALKFI shall work hand in hand in poverty alleviation by developing eco-tourism sites and livelihood projects that will benefit underprivileged communities.  The province shall mainly develop tourism areas; ALKFI shall facilitate and fund the media exposure and advertising.

Villagers and officials in the barangays and municipalities vowed to support the project and showed enthusiasm in the program.  It was initially agreed that the project will be launched formally in March. (Charito S. Ansagay/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)