Midsayap, Cotabato – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 and the Municipal Government of Alamada have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen their commitment to sustainable forest management through the Joint Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) Implementation on March 13, 2025 at Wiw’s Resto, Midsayap, Cotabato

Regional Executive Director (RED) Atty. Felix S. Alicer of DENR Region 12 underscored the importance of this collaboration, stating, “As we sign this MOA, we reinforce our strong partnership in safeguarding the remaining forests and watersheds of Alamada. This initiative highlights our shared responsibility in protecting natural resources for future generations.”

The Joint FLUP Implementation, covering the period from 2025 to 2034 aimed to address climate change, promote food security, and ensure sustainable resource management by integrating FLUP into Alamada’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).

Municipal Mayor Jesus N. Sacdalan reaffirmed the LGU’s dedication to the project, stating, “Through this collaboration with DENR, we are committed to ensuring the sustainable management of our forestlands, which serve as a vital source of livelihood and ecological stability for our communities.”

Alamada, a first-class municipality in Cotabato Province, spans approximately 79,203.53 hectares, as recorded in the DENR cadastral map. It comprises 17 barangays, with 57,767.36 hectares—or 72.82% of its total land area—classified as forestland. The ceremonial signing was attended by key officials, including Municipal Mayor Jesus N. Sacdalan, Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) officials, Municipal Planning and Development Officer Engr. Evelyn F. Esleta, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Danilo A. Puno, DENR 12 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Engr. Mama G. Samaon, PENRO Cotabato Radzak B. Sinarimbo, CENRO Midsayap Shirley P. Uy, Community Development Division Chief Ali M. Hadjinasser, PhD, and other representatives from DENR Region 12 and LGU-Alamada.