By Juzel L. Danganan
MANILA, Sept. 8 (PNA) — The National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) and the Benguet’s Cobabeng Bobok Arabica Planters Association (CBAPA) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to build a coffee plantation near the Upper Agno river watershed reservation.
”NAPOCOR president Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita and association president Johnny S. Bugnay signed the Memorandum of Agreement that covers the 107 hectares of areas within the watershed reservation to be used for coffee plantation,” NAPOCOR said in a statement on Tuesday.
The NAPOCOR chief noted each hectare will be planted with around 1,100 seedlings of Coffea Arabica, variety red bourbon and typica.
It further mentioned that Coffea Arabica, which will be planted in the site, is considered as the finest tasting and in-demand coffee beans around the globe.
Sta. Rita added she hopes the program will benefit a hundred farmers and their families.
According to NAPOCOR, CBAPA was tasked under the agreement to protect the Benguet pine and forest trees from unauthorized cutting, lumber poaching and illegal occupancy in the watershed.
The state-run power firm added the association is expected to encourage the farmer beneficiaries to plant other forest trees to shade and soil their growing coffee plants.
NAPOCOR will provide the needed labor cost and equipment such as seedlings, organic and foliar fertilizers, bio pesticides, backpack sprayers and pruning shears. Funds for the initiative will be generated from the Universal Charge-Environmental Charge.
The state-owned corporation has a mandate to manage the watersheds of the country. (PNA)