'Tree for Life' unfolds at Bulabog-Putian National Park
A partnership was forged by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with the Philippine Army and other sectors in support of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's thrust to protect the endangered environment thru the Tree for Life project. A tree planting activity was held at Bulabog-Putian National Park on July 18, 2007 with Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr., local officials of the municipality of Dingle led by Vice Mayor Revlon Lacson, ROTC cadets of West Visayas State University, Pototan Campus, the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The joint tree planting activity is the brainchild of DENR Secretary Angelo T. Reyes dubbed as Green Philippines Program (GPP) which will initially involve planting of 20 million seedlings in the next months. GPP consists of reforestation, preservation of refs and waterways, cleansing the land and air of toxic and energy independence.
The activity was simultaneously done nationwide. In the Province of Iloilo, the tree planting was held in Bulabog-Putian spearheaded by the Philippine Army led by Col. Roger C. Diaz, Group Commander, 6th Regional Community Defense Group and Director Alicia L. Lustica, Ph.D of the DENR.
It can be recalled that a Memorandum of Partnership was signed in June 2007 by Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio with the Phil. Army represented by Col. Renato A, David at Villa Sagrado, Iloilo City to enhance the greening efforts through the GPP.
Planting of trees will go on for six months with the participation of other sectors like the non-government organizations, government agencies, students, youth organizations, and the media.
Director Claudio said that thru GPP, DENR's effort enhanced to have a safer and cleaner environment. She said that planting and taking care of trees help combat the emergence of climate change which has become a world environmental problem.
(ehb/RPAO)