Lopez leads livelihood program launch in Liguasan Marsh

Environment Secretary Gina Lopez on Wednesday expressed confidence in investing resources for the development of the Liguasan Marsh with the local government units.

Lopez, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu, and other officials led the ceremonial planting of seedlings at the Liguasan Marsh in Pandag, Maguindanao.

The activity is part of the sustainable livelihood program of the Department of Environmentand Natural Resources and LGU that is also aimed at protecting the natural resources in the area.

The 280-thousand-hectare Liguasan Marsh is shared by three local government units. A total of P21 million was given to the town of Rajah Buayan for mangrove and bamboo seedlings.

"Tremendous biodiversity... yeah, tremendous biodiversity like medicinal plants here and many many things... It's also very rich in agriculture. It has tons and tons and tons of fresh water fish," Lopez said in a report by GMA News' Saleema Refran on "24 Oras." 

"The bamboo... may net income there. So from the bamboo, they can start other businesses there and we will help them," she added. 

The marsh area is a witness to many armed conflicts in the past. According to LGUs, 60 percent of the population are below the poverty line.

Meanwhile, Mangudadatu echoed the remarks of Lopez, noting that this project would benefit the residents in the area. 

"May kikitain 'yung mga kababaihan... mga farmers natin. Wala na sigurong puwang na magkaroon pa ng gulo," Mangudadatu said.

Lopez said unity is needed to achieve prosperity in the region.

During the activity, she also offered the participants a song and dance.

She also led a ceremony wherein the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF, soldiers and local officials pledged to work together to preserve natural resources. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News