A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) V and Department of Social Welfare and Development was signed by OIC, Regional Executive Director, Atty. Antonio A. Abawag and Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia, respectively on January 20, 2021 at the DSWD Field Office 5, Buraguis, Legazpi City. 

The MOA aims to intensify the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 120 or the Strengthening Rehabilitation and Recovery Efforts in Typhoon-Hit Areas through the creation of the Build Back Better Task Force signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte last November 18, 2020. Both offices aim to collaborate thru the Food for Work Program of DSWD and DENR’s riverbank stabilization at the Bicol River Basin and in the province of Catanduanes.

Director Abawag said the riverbank stabilization thru the planting of bamboos within the easement areas of the Bicol River Basin (BRB) and its tributaries is just one of the interventions under the Build Back Better Program pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 120.

“Agencies of the government will work together on programs and projects for the betterment of our people”, OIC RED Abawag said.

For their part, Director Garcia assured that the DSWD will provide the necessary assistance in the implementation of the Bamboo Stabilization. An initial 1,000 food packs shall be given to the identified beneficiaries.

As the lead agency in Intensified Watershed Management, the DENR will coordinate with the different local government units (LGUs) for the identification of qualified beneficiaries. Likewise, the DENR will provide the planting materials, which will be used in the rehabilitation of the riverbanks in the identified areas.

Schedule of planting in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Catanduanes will be from February 9 to 12, 2021.