Armed with shovels and bolos, officers and personnel from the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) and partner agencies planted trees at the Baltic Tree Park earlier today to commemorate the 13th death anniversary of the late Colonel Eulogio C. Baltazar. 

A retired military officer, Col. Baltazar was the ENRO chief of the province from 2008-2009. He was among the brains behind the Million Trees Movement, a flagship program of Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, which bids to protect and preserve the environment and conserve the forest canopy of the province in the effort to fight climate change and sustain the wildlife in forest lands.

He paid dearly for his dedication to his job by strictly implementing environmental laws when he was killed in 2009.

A year after his death, the Baltic Tree Park was established in his honor. It is situated in a 5,000 square meter property along the Diosdado Macapagal National Highway in Barangay Pintatagan in the municipality of Banaybanay, which was donated by local businesswoman Ms. Marilyn Lim.

Today, September 10, his death anniversary is remembered not by the gruesome memories but celebrated by planting trees that symbolize life.

To remember his sacrifices, today’s tree planting activity was made more memorable with the presence of Governor Corazon Malanyaon and the Baltazar family, who paid homage to the late Colonel.

Also joining this morning’s activity was ENRO Officer Ms. Dolores Valdesco, Environmental Law Enforcer Brig. General Leopoldo Imbang (Ret.), officers and personnel of the 48th Infantry Battalion, and local journalist Cesar Lanos who was instrumental in establishing the park.

For Col. Baltazar’s friends and loved ones, his death was not in vain as he died for a cause: his conviction of protecting the environment. His dedication as a soldier and a staunch warrior for the environment will forever be remembered. By KLD-PIO | Contributed Photos