The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) entered into and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP) at Hue Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, on May 25, 2022.
Both PCSDS and FFP agreed to collaborate in formulating, preparing and implementing programs, plans, and projects in identified areas of collaboration in Palawan. Furthermore, they intend to share and exchange knowledge, information, experience, and other resources that can contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of PCSDS and FFP services. Finally, they are to develop monitoring activities, strategies, and methodologies to help both parties keep track of progress, document lessons learned, and plan for the future.
“We thank PCSDS, your Executive Director Atty. Teodoro Jose S. Matta, for formalizing this partnership between the FFP and the PCSD,” FFP Executive Director Atty. Jose Andres A. Canivel said as he expressed his gratitude for such a partnership with PCSDS.
“Perhaps it is a milestone for our work here in Palawan. We have always wanted to reference the work that we do to the outcomes that your leaders want, and with this instrument, it will contribute directly to the goals, objectives, and the thrusts of PCSD and the rest of the leaders here in Palawan and with this document we sincerely hope that we would be able to foster collaboration in both institutions, build our capacity to understand the conservation threats and contribute to solutions for the problems being faced here in Palawan, ” he added.
Atty. Canivel stated that both FFP and PCSDS could begin with research and planning and work their way up to supporting more development projects and promoting the sustainability of Palawan’s natural wealth.
“We thank the FFP for the opportunity for opening the doors to PCSD. The benefit of this goes both ways. We believe that through this MOU, both organizations would benefit. Palawan in managing the biosphere is very complex, it requires multidisciplinary efforts, and a renewed and revitalized partnership is the first step we have in tackling the problems we face one at a time. With partnerships like this, we believe it is our strength to find in you, and with this, we hope that we can make Palawan a more sustainable biosphere reserve,” PCSDS Executive Director Atty. Teodoro Jose S. Matta stated as he expressed his appreciation for such collaboration.
