DAVAO ORIENTAL— The Provincial Government, along with the Local Government Units and national agencies, embarked on Saturday its provincial tree-planting activity at Badas-Culian road as part of the celebration of the 52nd Founding Anniversary of Davao Oriental.
Some one thousand tree seedlings of different varieties namely Palawan Cherry, Fine Tree, Golden Shower, Narra, and Alibangbang were planted. These varieties were chosen for their aesthetic value as much as they are expected to enhance the biodiversity conservation, carbon dioxide sequestration and climate change mitigation of the province.
According to Mr. Virgilio R. Alas III, Land Mgt. Officer II and Forestry and officer in-charge to the Biodiversity Management Division, Badas-Culian road was this year’s tree-planting venue because of its geographic location that displays the beautiful landscape and seascape of the Pujada Bay.
“Somehow, the venue’s view also gives a rewarding feeling to all the participants. It makes them appreciate nature and the necessity of trees to enhance the aesthetic value of the land. Much more, I hope that seeing how the activity went today, it will further stimulate their (participants’) enthusiasm to get involved in all environmental protection, conservation, and management activities,” Mr. Alas stated.
Moreover, not only the LGUs and the national agencies graced the event, but also the candidates of Bb. Davao Oriental who, despite the unfriendly weather, showed their care and support to the province and the environment.
“I’m glad that our province, Davao Oriental, never forget to include activities like this tree-planting drive because it shows how much we care for and respect our environment,” Bb. Tarragona, Czellestte Wating said.
The activity brought together more or less 500 people who participated, mindless of the drizzle.
“This year’s theme wants to emphasize unity. Together, we should plant for the betterment of the biodiversity here in our province,” Bb. Tarragona added.
Mandated by Resolution No. 73, series of 2009 and the Governor’s Executive Order No. 6 of 2009, the tree-planting activity is set to happen annually on the 22nd day of June. By Shaye Dacles/ Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
