BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Government is intensifying its commitment to environmental stewardship and urban biodiversity conservation through strategic partnerships aimed at creating a greener and more climate-resilient city.
Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized that environmental protection is a shared responsibility as the city continues to implement programs promoting sustainability and ecological balance.
“Under our administration, we are serious about advancing environmental stewardship and urban biodiversity management programs. This responsibility should not rest on the government alone but must be shared by every stakeholder in our community,” Gasataya said.
As part of the city’s observance of Philippine Environment Month, the local government signed two separate Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) on June 17 at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby, forging partnerships with the Bureau of Fire Protection–Negros Island Region (BFP-NIR) and La Consolacion College Bacolod (LCC).
The agreements seek to strengthen the implementation of Bacolod City’s Urban Biodiversity Program Management Plan, which serves as the city’s framework for conserving, protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing urban ecosystems and green spaces.
One of the highlights of the initiative is the launch of the Adopt-a-Forest Program, a collaborative project between the city government and the BFP-NIR.
Under the agreement, the BFP-NIR, led by Regional Director Fire Chief Supt. Rodolfo P. Denaga, will adopt and co-manage a 4,000-square-meter area within the Bacolod City Eco-Park in Barangay Felisa.
The city government will provide quality seedlings and logistical support, while both parties will work together to nurture and maintain the planted trees until they reach maturity.
The partnership aims to contribute to forest restoration, enhance climate resilience, and promote long-term environmental sustainability while encouraging greater participation among government agencies in conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, the agreement with LCC-Bacolod expands collaboration on urban biodiversity conservation through environmental education, research, advocacy, and community engagement.
The partnership covers biodiversity assessments, habitat protection and restoration, urban greening projects, tree-growing activities, environmental awareness campaigns, capability-building programs, and research and data-sharing initiatives.
The MOA also promotes Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) programs to increase public understanding of biodiversity conservation and encourage wider community participation in environmental protection efforts.
Under the partnership, the city government and LCC-Bacolod will jointly implement projects focused on sustainable urban development, ecological restoration, wildlife habitat protection, and the establishment of more green spaces across the city.
The initiative is anchored on the provisions of Bacolod City’s Environment Code and the Urban Biodiversity Program Management Plan adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to strengthen ecological sustainability and climate adaptation efforts.
According to Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) Officer-in-Charge Atty. Allyn Luv Zamora-Dignadice, the MOA signings form part of the city’s month-long observance of Philippine Environment Month.
She said the celebration also includes mangrove planting, tree-planting activities, environmental orientations, and other awareness campaigns aimed at fostering a stronger culture of environmental responsibility among Bacolodnons.
Observed every June under Proclamation No. 237, Philippine Environment Month seeks to raise environmental awareness and promote the protection, enhancement, and sustainable development of the country’s natural resources.
Through these partnerships, the Bacolod City Government hopes to strengthen community participation in environmental conservation and ensure that future generations inherit a greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment./PN
