Ilocos norte: The vast forestland of Ilocos Norte, covering an area of about 8,000 hectares, remains lush and productive, thanks to some 200 village rangers keeping watch over them. For eight years now, 71-year-old Emilio Rabago, tribal chieftain of Barangay Saguigui in Pagudpud, has been diligently patrolling and maintaining a 200-hectare forestland now planted with coffee and coconut trees.

According to Philippines News Agency, Rabago, along with fellow Barangay Ranger Officers (BROs), patrols the thick forest cover of the province for 10 days each month. In return, they receive a monthly compensation of PHP4,000 each from the provincial government as part of the National Greening Program.

Rabago expressed gratitude for the program, highlighting its dual benefits of environmental nurturing and family support. He mentioned that the program, supported by various government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, helps them boost their livelihood while protecting the environment.

The BROs’ responsibilities include reporting illegal logging activities and establishing fire lines to prevent forest fires. Recently, 232 BROs, including Rabago, received PHP8,000 each for their salaries for May and June, with close to PHP1.9 million distributed for two months of compensation.

In addition to cash aid, BROs are permitted to plant immediate cash crops such as vegetables and fruit trees in their respective forest areas. Since 2011, the BROs have played a crucial role in preventing forest fires, significantly contributing to the preservation of Ilocos Norte’s natural environment.