NwSSU Launches Rainforestation–Aquilaria Project for FR, Farmers’ Livelihoods

CALBAYOG CITY — In a move to strengthen local livelihoods and promote ecological restoration, the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) officially launched its Rainforestation-Aquilaria Farming Project in Brgy. Bayo. A group of local farmers and former rebels has been selected as the primary beneficiaries.

The initiative recently reached a milestone with the start of actual planting activities. The rollout began with a technical demonstration on the integrated planting of Aquilaria malaccensis, known locally as Lapnisan, alongside Lawaan trees. This strategy is designed to replicate natural forest structures.

Barangay Captain Efren Reyes noted that several project beneficiaries are former rebels currently living in Brgy. Bayo and participating in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Reyes emphasized that while they were previously associated with the movement, they were non-combatants rather than armed fighters.

Professor Harold Mercurio highlighted the project’s main objective: to connect sustainable livelihoods with environmental stewardship.

“Since this is a long-term project spanning five years, it is crucial that our farmers have the technical skills to manage Agarwood alongside native Lawaan species and Ube (purple yam),” Mercurio stated.

Although Brgy. Bayo is within the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL), and project organizers clarified that the plantations will be established outside the designated protected zones. This decision aims to enable more effective supervision and maintenance by both the beneficiaries and local barangay leaders.

Photo: NWSSU representatives and former rebels plant Aquilaria and native trees in Brgy. Bayo as the Rainforestation–Aquilaria Farming Project began. (Gina Dean, The Vanguard)