By PR | 01:59 PM June 29, 2024
At least 315 volunteers planted 4,250 native seedlings in a tree-growing activity held in Barangay Pagsa, Dimiao on June 25.
In conjunction with the celebration of Philippine Arbor Day and Environment Month, the event was organized by the Forest Resource Management Division of the provincial government’s Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office.
Forrester Glicerita Racho, Officer in Charge of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) welcomed volunteers, while Forrester Jose Cleo Cary Colis of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office also delivered an inspirational message.
Forrester Raul Paler, Officer in Charge of the Technical Services Division of CENRO, delivered a closing message.
In a recent interview, Roy Ydulzura, president of the Society of Filipino Foresters Inc. (SFFI) – Bohol Chapter, stated that the annual tree-planting activity marked the fifth consecutive year of planting in the same area.
“Usa na ni nga area nga-gi-propose sa SFFI – Bohol para sa tree planting program activities. Area usab kini under sa Local Government Unit of Dimiao ug area sa National Greening Program nga karon gi-adapt sa society,” Ydulzura said.
He also pointed out that the recent El Niño had caused several grass fire incidents in the host barangay, prompting the organization to select the area for reforestation efforts.
Meanwhile, volunteer Sarah Hussin, president of the Philippine Red Cross-Bohol Youth Council, shared her valuable insights on the importance of volunteering in tree-growing activities.
“These trees contribute to a healthy environment by providing oxygen, preserving soil, supporting wildlife, serving as food, and can also be utilized as a practical value to make homes, shelters, and furniture,” Hussin explained in an interview.
“Tree planting will undoubtedly contribute to global reforestation, reduce soil erosion, restore damaged ecosystems, and help alleviate climate crisis. Positive change begins with us,” she emphasized.
Aside from the event held in Barangay Pagsa, Dimiao, a similar activity took place in San Pascual, Ubay on the same day. This activity is part of the Trees for Unity (TFU) Program of the provincial government.
TFU is a major initiative on environmental sustainability, as prioritized in the Strategic Change Agenda of Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite’s administration.
The program also collaborates with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and 69 other partners from government agencies, non-government organizations, local governments, and the private sector in Bohol.
The event is a highlight of the bigger, bolder, and new Sandugo sa Bohol celebration under the ‘Atiman’ stream, aimed to showcase Bohol as the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark Regenerative Island Province in the Philippines.
For schedules and information about the Sandugo sa Bohol celebration, you may visit the Sandugo sa Bohol Facebook page or download the Pedi App on Play Store for Android and App Store for iOS users, or visit sandugosabohol.pedi.ph. (PiMO/JSS)
