June 20, 2025 – Marks a significant stride in environmental sustainability as this day signifies the official partnership between the Department of Natural Resources-Forest Management Bureau (DENR-FMB) and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte to support the implementation of the ENGP in the Province of Ilocos Norte, with the goal of addressing resource conservation, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation and adaptation through long-term management and protection of the established NGP plantations.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was formally signed by Hon. Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc, the Provincial Governor of Ilocos Norte, and Atty. Ray Thomas F. Kabigting, Assistant Director of DENR-FMB, to maintain and protect 1,186 hectares of untenured, graduated NGP plantations through six (6) Local Government Units (LGU) and nine (9) Barangays in the province.

Beyond just protection, this agreement aims to promote a higher survival rate for indigenous species while establishing opportunities for enhanced community engagement through the promotion of multiple-use forestry initiatives like intercropping of fruit-bearing trees and other non-timber forest products.

To ensure the success and sustainability of these initiatives, a new Integrated Management Plan (IMP) will be established in the province to guarantee that land management and reforestation projects are beneficial to both the environment and local communities.