In line with the Nationwide Simultaneous Tree Planting Activity with the theme: “Buhayin ang Pangangalaga sa Kalikasan,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region X recently collaborated with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture and the local government of Cagayan de Oro City during the kick-off on September 13, 2022 in Sitio Camarahan, Pagatpat, this City.

A total of 8,654 seedling/propagules/planting stocks composed of Giant Bamboo, Molave, Narra, Bayok, Almon Tanguile, White Lauan, Lanzones, Rambutan, Durian, Gold Tree, Pink Trumpet, Mahogany, Balitbitan, Fruit Trees, Mangrove (Bakauan), Bakauan Babae and Bakauan Lalaki were planted regionwide by 1,381 participants in a combined area of 10.24 hectares.

The activity was initiated by the DILG spearheaded by DILG-Cagayan de Oro City Director (CD) Jane J. Docallos. It was participated in by various national government agencies to include the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Labor and Employment, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Army (PA), the PA Reserve Command, the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office, local barangay unit of Pagatpat and other stakeholders.

CD Docallos thanked DENR X for providing the bamboo seedlings/propagules for planting, she believed that bamboos are perfect planting materials to the plantation site since it signifies resilience and suits well to the location.

Docallos also acknowledged Barangay Pagatpat Chairman Roel Gabot for accepting the challenge to monitor and nurture the bamboo plantation.

DENR X Regional Executive Director Henry A. Adornado was represented by Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Services Felix S. Mirasol, Jr. during the activity. ARD Mirasol congratulated CD Docallos for the well-attended activity coming from various NGAs and local government unit of Cagayan de Oro City and other stakeholders. He said people are concerned with our environment.

ARD Mirasol also shared an advisory from the National Government that Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is also doing his share in planting a tree in celebration of his birthday (September 13). He informed participants that the DENR along with its five provincial field offices in the region are also conducting a tree planting in their respective areas as the Department’s solemn duty to sustain lives and to preserve our environment.

He encouraged the People’s Organization in the area under the Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) of the DENR to support this endeavor and take care of the newly planted bamboos. RSCIG No. 09-247-2022