(Contributed photo)
MANILA – The Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MTFI) Nursery and Eco Learning Center has constructed a marker in honor of former President Fidel V. Ramos for his role in merging public-private partnership to protect the environment.
MFTI Executive Director Melandrew Velasco said the marker was unveiled during the 94th birthday of Ramos, also called FVR last March 18.
“The marker is a fitting tribute to FVR in recognition of the former President’s role on the importance of public-private partnership to protect the environment,” Velasco said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Wednesday.
Velasco said Ramos has always championed environment protection and demonstrated good stewardship of the environment toward sustainable development.
“It was during the FVR presidency when the public-private partnership of water utilities in Metro Manila was realized ensuring water service and security to residents in the National Capital Region and neighboring provinces of Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal,” he said.
Velasco is a veteran author, publisher and biographer of FVR and the Ramos family as well as historian of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDev).
The Million Trees 10-year development proposal was also presented to MFTI’s institutional partners. The proposal was earlier presented at the strategic planning conducted by MFTI last month.
Also present during the inauguration were MWSS Administrator Leonor Cleofas who delivered the welcome remarks; Al Orolfo representing Environment acting Secretary Jim Sampulna; Randy Estrellado of Maynilad; Jose Victor Emmanuel de Dios of Manila Water; Edgar Doña of San Miguel Holdings Corporation; and Nick Linao of Santa Clara International Corporation. (PNA)
