Carbon Sink Project launches in Maasim
Maasim, Sarangani (June 20, 2009)
A 7,500 hectare carbon sink project was launched today in Brgy. Kamanga in Maasim, Sarangani Project. Spearheaded by Conal Holdings Corporation (CHC) alongside LGU Maasim, this agro-forestry project is in compliance with the stringent ECC requirements for the construction and operation of the approved 200 Megawatt Coal-fired power plant which will be situated in the area.
The project was launched by the inauguration of the model nursery in Kamanga. The ceremony was attended by Dandrib Macagalacat, Brgy Captain of Kamanga, Greg Gonzales, CHC Project Manager, Maasim Mayor Aniceto P. Lopez Jr., and Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene A. Dominguez as well as the members of the local community and various local agencies.
“Depending on the type of soil within the area, different crops will be planted and cultivated such as mango, coffee and rubber trees”, according to Greg Gonzales. “This project would not have been possible without the help of the LGU of Maasim and the local communities”, he added.
This carbon sink project is established to offset the marginalize effects of the byproduct carbon dioxide emission of the power plant’s operations, as stated in the CHC’s Environmental Compliance Certificate or ECC.
The commercial agro-forestry crops, that will be cultivated in the area, will also act as means to promote agro-economic growth within the community by providing long term income to the upland farmers, which in turn will create an upstream and downstream economic activities and will provide additional revenue to the local government.
The project will include training for the local communities on the cultivation of the crops as well as supplying the necessary materials and technologies.
The power plant will open jobs for the local community as well as promote an industrial zone which will provide the area with the means for socio-economic growth.
“The government is not perfect and cannot provide for all the needs of the community, thus we are looking for partners within the private sectors to help us promote progress and a better future for our children” Governor Dominguez stated.
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