Around 2,000 volunteers in Cagayan Valley planted over 7,000 bamboo propagules and indigenous tree species today as part of the simultaneous nationwide bamboo and tree growing activity jointly initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

 

The activity with the theme “Buhayin ang Pangangalaga sa Kalikasan” was conducted to heighten actions to reduce the ill effects of climate change through massive reforestation activities.

 

The tree growing event also supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) aims to strengthen collaborative efforts by engaging national government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders in environmental protection programs.

 

DILG Regional Director Jonathan Paul Leusen Jr. expressed his gratitude to all the planters. He said the activity serves as a gift to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who is celebrating his birthday today.

 

Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of DENR Region said the department is promoting tree growing to encourage the participants not only to plant but to ensure the survival of the planted seedlings.

 

“Our mandate is to mobilize the citizenry and we are happy to see many volunteers today as we address the pressing issues of climate change,” she added.

 

Among the planted species were bamboo, Narra, Molave, Tuai, Talisay, Bitaog, Kupang, Malasantol, Kamagong, Dao, Ipil and Arius.

 

The planting was simultaneously held in five sites namely; Uyugan, Batanes; Quirino, Isabela; Solana, Cagayan; Cabarroguis, Quirino; and Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco and Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Carlos Padilla joined the event in their respective provinces.

 

The tree growing activity was also attended by the Regional Directors of DA, DTI, and DOLE.

 

It was also participated in by officials and representatives from other government agencies, local government units, barangay and sangguniang kabataan officials, civil society organizations and academe.#