Napocor, PTFCF join forces to protect key PH watersheds

National Power Corp. (Napocor) has partnered with the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) for the conservation and sustainable management of critical watershed reservations in the country.

Under the signed memorandum of understanding, Napocor and PTFCF will collaborate to formulate, prepare and implement programs, plans and projects covering the Lake-Lanao Agus River Watershed in Lanao del Sur, Pulangui Watershed in Bukidnon and Angat Watershed in Bulacan.

Watersheds are important in managing the country’s water resources, as they are able to capture, store and release water in strategic areas for food production and environmental protection.

PTFCF is a nonprofit organization that provides grants and technical assistance to projects that conserve forests and forest lands.

“This partnership with [Napocor] illuminates our way forward as we are now looking at [enhancing and maintaining] ecosystem services that the forests provide. We are not only looking at conservation per se but for the services that it provides for the people such as water and electricity,” said PTFCF board chair Mary Edwina Garchitorena.

Napocor is mandated to manage the country’s 11 watersheds which in turn help stabilize water supply to the country’s hydroelectric plants.