LUNA, Apayao – Apayao State College (ASC) was one of the recipients of an award under the academe category during the culminating activity of the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region held in Pacdal, Baguio, City.
The award is in recognition for ASC’s commitment in the category of “Production of Quality Planting Materials” (PQPM) which they achieved beyond target, and for empowering communities and beneficiaries through distribution and application of nursery and plantation establishment technologies. The recognition was awarded by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) and the Watershed and Water Resources Research Center (WWRRC) under the DENR.
From 2012 until the present, it was observed that the production of endemic and non-endemic tree species from the nursery has been exceeding consistently its target. In 2013 for instance, over 60, 000 were produced and delivered as required by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). In 2014, over 476, 000 were produced and delivered. An additional of over 30, 000 QPM in 2015 and 40,000 seedlings as of this writing for FY2016 were produced 50% of which were already delivered.
In 2014, the department was able to partner with 11 people’s organizations (POs) from the entire province for this endeavor. Two POs were added in 2015 which include the Pentecost Saranay Association, Inc. (PSAI) in Shalom, Luna, Apayao and Water Resources Rehabilitators and Developers Association (WARRDA) in Lydia, Pudtol, Apayao. At present, there are 20, 000 seedlings requested by PSAI and another 20, 000 by the Manag Upland Farmers Association (MUFA) in Manag Conner, Apayao.
Earlier on June 10, 2016, during the 53rd Founding Anniversary of the National Irrigation Administration, the college was able to provide the 160 seedlings planted in Atok, Flora, Apayao.
Among the species of tree seedlings provided were marang, jackfruit, guyabano, guwaple, pili nut, white laoan, malakawayan and tanguile.
“This is our commitment to our continuing advocacy for biodiversity conservation,” said Forester Rodolfo.
The management of ASC commends the forestry department and extends its gratitude to all partners and supporters in this endeavor.
“The award confirms ASC’s vision as a biodiversity-centered higher education institution,” said ASC President Nieves A. Dacyon.
By Jaylord Agpuldo
