Tree planting as a historical event

Cebu City (21 June)--- Twenty-five thousand (25,000) trees, of varied species (narra, lawaan and tuai) willl be planted in Buhisan, Mt. Pung-ol Sibugay, Carmen, Argao and Balamban in Cebu province on June 29, 2007 simultaneous with other parts of the country for the Guinness Book of Records to qualify for the most number of seedlings planted within one hour.

Lt. Alexander Magno of 7RCDG in a recent AGIO Forum said, this is in line with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s “Green Philippines Program.” Various government agencies like DENR, DepEd, DAR, DA, PIA, DILG, among others led by the Philippine Army with partner agencies and non-government organizations will turn the June 29 nationwide tree planting activity into a historical event hopefully for the Philippines to land once again in the Guinness Book of Records.

DENR Forester Richard Abella assured the participants that the seedlings are already available for this historical event. Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena and Lt. Gen. Cardazo Luna of the Central Command are expected to join the tree planting activity.

According to Lt. Magno, the Department of Education (DepEd) will be planting trees in their school premises while the 53^rd Engineer Brigade is tasked to do the staking and loosening the soil in preparation for the tree planting in the various sites.

Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water (CUSW) representative Diane Rallion on the other hand emphasized the importance of this activity and how this can help rejuvenate the deteriorated environment for the future of the young generation. She urged everyone to work hand-in-hand for the success of this big event.

Rallion added that a number of tree planting activities are held each year in Buhisan to preserve the water supply produced by Buhisan Dam that is the source of water in Cebu City.

According to local environmentalists, trees are always planted at Mt. Pung-ol Sibugay that is situated at the Mananga Watershed within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, to sustain its positive impact on the environment.

Indigenous tree species on one hand promote ecological balance; prevent soil erosion; increase soil porosity and water retention capacity; and provide food for the wildlife. They also serve as the habitat of endangered bird species. (PIA-Cebu/hfg)