DBP president and chief executive officer Rey David said this is the fourth and biggest forest project of the bank in San Isidro, Talakag in Bukidnon.
The program is envisioned to contribute to the protection of coastal areas and the conservation of soil and water in the uplands, while improving spawning grounds for terrestrial and marine aquatic life.
It also aims to help in the development of downstream industries in the countryside.
David said that under an agreement, DBP will collaborate with the Talakag Agro-Industrial Development Area Multi-Purpose Coop (TAIDAMCO), Liguron-Dagundalahon-Sagaran Farmers Association (LIDASAFA), Kaliliangan United Forest Farmers Association (KUFFA), and the Magsasakang Bubuhay sa Likas Yaman, Inc. (MABUHAY) in the longterm development of a 2,000-hectare rubber tree plantation that is expected to contribute in the rebuilding of the Philippine natural latex industry.
These forest partners will undertake actual planting, cultivation, maintenance, and other necessary rubber plantation activities.
This project is likewise the first community rubber plantation in the country, said David.
DBP will provide funding for the reforestation project which is also projected to benefit 829 families in the area by encouraging rural livelihood activities while furthering the bank’s intensified environmental protection program.
David said that the project marks the bank’s first partnership with a private firm — the JapanPhilippines Latex Technology, Inc. (JPLT) — in the establishment of the DBP Forest by peoples’ organizations.
JPLT will provide the necessary technical expertise and financial resources for project development, including the development and implementation of skills development programs in financial management, quality control and other necessary skills in rubber plantation operations and management.
The company will also provide values formation and livelihood training programs and related employment opportunities for members of the partner organizations and their families.
It will also handle periodic project monitoring to ensure the survival and growth of the planted species.
The DBP Forest Program was launched in April this year to support and encourage the forestation of open and denuded areas through the planting of relatively high value fruit trees and other useful plant species.
Other DBP Forest project sites are in Abucay, Bataan; Alabel, Sarangani; and the Marilog District, Davao City.
