DENR-7 Opens P4-M Clonal Nursery in Minglanilla, Cebu

(PIA-7) — The recently completed P4-M clonal nursery facility was inaugurated and operationalized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 through the Biodiversity, Coastal, Wetlands and Ecotourism Research Center (BCWERC) at the Experimental Forest Station, Camp 7, Minglanilla, Cebu.

DENR-7 Public Information Office head Dr. Eddie Llamedo said the inauguration was led by Regional Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo, Acting Director for Ecosystems Research Development Bureau (ERDB) Dr. Henry Adornado and BCWERC Center Head Dr. Alicia Lustica.

During the program, Montejo said the newly completed clonal nursery facility is expected to produce 30,000 clonelings and 60,000 seedlings from genetically superior trees to support the production of quality planting materials of the National Greening Program (NGP) in Region 7.

“Our intention is to produce high quality planting materials for the NGP requirements in the region as we set aggressive greening efforts purposely to reduce poverty while ensuring food security, biodiversity conservation and address climate change,” he added.

The event was also graced by Minglanilla Mayor Elenito Peña who expressed his strong support to the ongoing greening programs of the DENR.

Highlighting the days’ affair was the conduct of Experimental Forest Awareness and Appreciation Campaign and Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting with people’s organizations, stakeholders and representatives from the Movement for a Liveable Cebu (MLC).

The forum paved the way for ERDB and DENR 7 directors to link with the people’s organizations and local residents to discuss existing programs as well as issues and problems within the experimental forest.

Dr. Alicia Lustica, Center Head of BCWERC, said that the event was organized to orient various stakeholders on the importance of the experimental forest and generate commitment among various stakeholders on the conservation and protection of the area.

The one-day event culminated with the signing of the ‘Pledge of Commitment’ among its officials and stakeholders. Said commitment hopes to revitalize, strengthen, and sustain the management and protection of the experimental forest. Partnership and people’s commitment can only be possible through the active support and collaboration among various stakeholders, said Llamedo.

He added, aside from the newly opened clonal nursery facility, two other clonal nurseries was turned over by the DENR 7 to the Bohol Island State University (BISU) in Bilar, Bohol; and Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental in 2013. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DENR-7 press release)