Press Release
February 6, 2006

ANGARA FILES BILL PROMOTING AGROFORESTRY

Responding to the challenges of the new millennium and the pressure of the increasing population on our natural resources, Senator Edgardo J. Angara filed yesterday Senate Bill 2201 which seeks to enhance the practice of Agroforestry in the country, creating, among others, the Board of Agroforestry under the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).

"The twin demands of the environment and the people brings to fore the recognition of agroforestry as the key to resource rehabilitation, sustainable development and preservation of our natural resources. As a land-use management system, agroforestry is new market opportunities, new business investments, sustainable agriculture, land stewardship, habitat for wildlife, improved water quality, and diversified farm income," Angara stated.

"You know, Angara added, the Philippines is one of the first countries to practice agroforestry. And for a country with roughly 24% of its population living in the uplands, the magnitude of the practice of agroforestry cannot be overstressed. So much so that I, in consultation with farmers, local settlers, and technical experts, am working on an agroforestry approach to make my hometown, Aurora, self-sufficient in food and the eventual food basket of Central Luzon."

"Let me illustrate. In particular, agroforestry practices help landowners to diversify products, markets, and farm income; improve soil and water quality; reduce erosion, non-point source pollution and damage due to flooding; enhance land and aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife; and improve biodiversity while sustaining land resources for generations to come. A critical mass of quality agroforestry practitioners, therefore, is necessary to advance agroforestry systems and practices to a scale significant for improving the quality of lives in the upland and throughout the landscape."

Agroforestry is the main production technology / tool in the implementation of the Community-Based Forest Management Program as exemplified in Executive Order No. 263 series of 1995, and is among the fields of agriculture and fisheries that is embodied in the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) of 1997.

"Ultimately, Angara stressed, the bill is envisioned to enhance the role of Agroforestry, supply the required critical mass of field technicians equipped with agroforestry knowledge and principles, and lastly develop key initiatives to facilitate the genuine and sustainable agricultural development thru Agrofestry." 

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