A Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)funded program for the environment is expected to bridge to improve the livelihoods of communities in Pagbilao and Infanta in Quezon.
This was expressed by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)-College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) Dean Marlon D. Mendoza, during his opening message at the exit conference of the project, “Sustainable Mangroves through Innovations and Livelihood Enhancement Promoting Growth and Climate Resilience” (SMILE-GROWTH). The SMILE-GROWTH Project is in collaboration with the UPLB-FDC.
The exit conference, held recently at the Elvira O. Tan Hall of DOST-PCAARRD, shared information from the project’s results and provided an avenue for local government units (LGUs) of Quezon and other organizations to express their continuous support to the peoples’ organizations (POs).
During the conference, a ceremonial turnover of livelihood materials was done with the Binonoan Producers Cooperative (BIPCO) and Kalantog Fisherfolk and Farmers Association Inc. (KFFAI). BIPCO and KFFAI also shared their testimonials as beneficiaries of SMILE-GROWTH and showcased their respective products that they had developed with the help of the project.
Student beneficiaries of the project also shared their testimonials during their time implementing the project.
Present in the event are UPLB Vice Chancellor Dr. Nathaniel C. Bantayan, CFNR Dean Mendoza, FDC Director Dr. Dixon T. Gevaña, Technology Transfer and Promotion Director Noel A. Catibog, Pagbilao and Infanta LGU representatives, Binonoan Producers Cooperative (BIPCO), Kalantog Fisherfolk and Farmers Association, Inc. (KFFAI), student beneficiaries of the project, and other organizations.
FDC Director Dr. Gevaña, in his welcome message, expressed his gratitude for the successful completion of the SMILE-GROWTH project and for the unwavering collaboration of the participating agencies and organizations.
On behalf of UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., UPLB Vice Chancellor Dr. Bantayan in his inspirational message expressed his appreciation to the dedication of partner agencies and organizations, and extended UPLB’s commitment to further conserving mangroves.
TTPD Director Catibog expressed his gratitude to the partners of SMILE-GROWTH and said that the project would not be successful without the combined efforts of agencies and POs, as he closed the program. He also said that despite the project ending this April, efforts in conserving mangroves and improving livelihoods will continue the initiatives like the SMILE-GROWTH project.