BUTUAN CITY – A simultaneous tree-planting marking Arbor Day on Sunday, June 25, managed to cover 19 priority areas in the Caraga region, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said.
Data provided by the DENR-13 on Monday, June 26, said that two were in Butuan City, four in Agusan del Norte, six in Agusan del Sur, two in Surigao del Norte, four in Surigao del Sur, and one in Dinagat Islands.
“A total of 9,200 seedlings were planted during Arbor Day, with some hardwood species such as lauan, mahogany, mangium, molave, and magcuno,” DENR-13 said.
Other species planted were talisay, acacia, narra, Palawan cherry, golden shower, dao, bamboo, and pili and fruit trees such as rambutan, lanzones, and mangosteen.
The tree-planting activity was participated in by more than 2,126 individuals from the different agencies of government, local government units, and the private sector.
At its own planting site at the Cabadbaran River Water Forest Reserve Cabadbaran City, DENR-13 managed to gather 158 participants who planted 1,100 assorted tree seedlings.
Philsaga Mining Corp. led by Raul C. Villanueva donated 20,000 seedlings, including fruit trees, to DENR-Bunawan Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Jerome H. Albia for Arbor Day and other activities for Environment Month this June.
“I encourage everyone to plant more trees, not only for this month celebration but for the all-year around, after all, we are aiming for the benefit of the next generation,” Villanueva said.
The company has wide tree plantations in Agusan del Sur and mangrove plantation in Barobo, Surigao del Sur.
The DENR-13 led by Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo thanked the Philsaga for supporting the agency’s environment program.
“We are also thankful for the company’s support of the extended National Greening Program (NGP) which is being among the banner program of Secretary Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga.”
Arbor Day aims to promote a healthier ecosystem through the rehabilitation of the environment. (with a report from PNA)