Around 2,500 volunteers in the entire Cagayan Valley planted today 13,266 propagules of bamboo and indigenous species in 40 planting sites totaling to 54 hectares, marking the celebration of Philippine Environment Month this June with the theme, “Aksyon Para sa Natatanging Mundo”.

 

Led by the regional and field offices together with the Environmental Management Bureau and Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2, the simultaneous nationwide tree planting activity was joined by the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, local government units (LGUs), Sangguniang Kabataan members, academic institutions, ENR Ambassadors, and other non-government organizations.

 

The planting of bamboo species such as Bayog, Kawayan Tinik, Kawayan Kiling, Golden Bamboo, and Machiku along the Cagayan River, lakes and creeks is in support of the Cagayan River Restoration Project under the Build Back Better initiative of the government.

 

It aims to stabilize the riverbanks, provide livelihood opportunities in the community and boost ecotourism program among the LGUs.

 

Indigenous tree species such as Bitaog, Molave, Talisay, Aluyi and Narra were also planted in support of the National Greening Program of the Department.

 

Following the directive of DENR Region 2 environment chief Gwendolyn Bambalan to grow and ensure the survival of planted trees, the DENR field offices pledged to strengthen their coordination with the LGUs through close monitoring, maintenance and protection of the species planted.

 

Along with the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month, the activity also commemorates the Philippine Eagle Week and World Oceans Day on June 4-10 and June 8, respectively.#