Maramag, Bukidnon - The Philippines continues to bear the brunt of the effects of climate change. Typhoon Odette, the strongest to hit the country in 2021, has displaced millions of Filipinos in Visayas and Mindanao. Almost 11 million people were affected and incurred billions of damages in various sectors.   

The rapid intensification of storms is one of the extreme events now more common due to climate change and will make it even more challenging for vulnerable countries like the Philippines. To ensure we stand a chance, the government made a bold commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent in 2030 during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow last year.    

Many say such a pledge is ambitious. But, with the collective efforts of various sectors and growing ecoconsciousness, then maybe it can be fulfilled.

FDC Misamis Power Corporation (FDC Misamis) has been an active participant in this challenge by maintaining reforestation projects.    

"FDC Misamis vigorously partakes in the environmental protection initiatives of the government through its carbon sink management project. We strive to ensure that our tree-growing endeavors are well maintained, protected, and contribute to reducing the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions," says Kristine Tiziana D. Janolino, the company's pollution control officer.

Its first major project is a 120-hectare carbon sink management program (CSMP) in Brgy. Sambulawan, El Salvador City. Last year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 10 touted the company for successfully maintaining the area.    

To further its cause, FDC Misamis recently partnered with the Central Mindanao University (CMU) to develop Musuan Peak in Maramag, Bukidnon, into a man-made forest.   

Under the initial agreement, FDC Misamis will plant trees on 10-hectares of Musuan Peak with the option of expansion. Known as a center of excellence in forestry, CMU has approximately 100-hectares of land available to host carbon sequestration projects.    

"The degrading quality of our environment is very evident. We need to come together and face this threat. Our partnership with FDC Misamis is a testament to CMU's commitment to take immediate action because it is everyone's duty to protect the Earth," says Dr. Jesus Antonio Derije, CMU's president.  

Both carbon sinks house endemic and indigenous trees. If properly managed, the projects can significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The project proponents are yet to estimate the areas' carbon sequestration rate as it depends on many factors such as the growth characteristics of the tree species, the location's conditions, and the tree's age, among others.  

FDC Misamis owns and operates a 405-megawatt thermal baseload power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, which significantly contributes to the stability of the Mindanao grid. Its parent company, FDC Utilities, Inc. (FDCUI), which is the power and utility arm of the Filinvest Group, is also pursuing the development of sustainable energy projects such as solar, hydropower, biomass, and waste-to-energy projects. (PR)