LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) -- Residents are still benefiting from the plantations of the Philippine Forestry Development Project in Ilocos Norte (PFDPIN), according to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).

The PFDPIN is a reforestation program implemented in the province from 1984 to 1992 which involved tree planting projects, watershed development, and the formation of cooperative organizations. 

The plantations, which consist of three sectors, were established in the towns of Bangui, Pasuquin, and Vintar. 

According to Victor Dabalos, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, though the three plantations are currently not being monitored due to lack of funding, the products of the PDFPIN are still being used by residents like the restored protective cover of the watershed in Vintar and Banban, Bangui to decrease erosion and increase water yield for the communities.

“The watershed sa Banban, Bangui at Vintar, existing, yung protective cover ng watershed, iyun ang output ng tree planting development in the area. Sustainable at effective yung pagkakatanim ng trees para ma-sustain ang wateryield ng shed. Hanggang ngayon functional ang watersheds,” he said. 

Under the program, the trees planted in the three plantations are eucalyptus, eucalyptus, auriculiformis, acacia mangium, gmelina, agoho, fruit-bearing like mango trees, and rattan, which are all fully-grown trees by this time. 

He added that other areas covered by the PFDPIN are now included and have been already planted with new trees through the government’s National Greening Project. 

Though gathering by-products and fruit bearings in the plantations is prohibited, individuals and owners of private plantations can secure a certification from the PENRO to allow them to harvest on the plantation.

In Sector One in Pasuquin, a research area was established which is being used for seedling production and to study plant species in the area. 

Moreover, the people’s groups founded for the PFDPIN are now accredited by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and are still existing, according to PENRO. (EJFG/PIA Ilocos Norte)