The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) jointly launched the “Sustainable Livelihood and Environment for DSWD Disadvantaged Clients” program held recently at the Amphitheatre of Provincial Capitol of Ilagan, Isabela.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and by DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje.

The cooperation program highlights the National Greening Program (NGP) where the DENR identified and provided 100 hectares of land located at Disulap, San Mariano, Isabela, the pilot area, while the DSWD identified 60 beneficiaries from barangay Disulap and Marannao who are also under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The DENR awarded the 60 chosen beneficiaries with Letter of Acceptance or LOA to plant forest trees and fruit-bearing trees.

The program is designed to provide a sustainable livelihood for the beneficiaries because they can sell their harvests to DENR which can augment their family income enabling them to respond better to their health and education needs.

The program also aims to mitigate the adversities brought about by climate change, poverty and natural disasters like landslides and flashfloods because there will be trees to hold the soil together.

The NGP is expected to be replicated in other parts of the country.

The Launching Program was graced by DSWD and DENR officials. ###