Defensor renews vow to save Iloilo forests
Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. has renewed his personal commitment to save the Iloilo forests and said the provincial government will work with various agencies to formulate a strategic plan for a massive reforestation program.
“We want to revive public awareness on the importance of our forests. We want to underscore the need to protect our trees to mitigate the ill- effects of climate change,” said Defensor, who led the 11th “Pyesta sa Kakahuyan” tree-planting activity last September 11 at the Maasin watershed.
He said the provincial government will put up seedling nurseries in all the five districts to boost the reforestation program.
Defensor told the thousands of Ilonggos who participated in the tree-planting activity: “I want you to be part of this renewed commitment towards saving our forests, we cannot afford to fail, otherwise the future of our children will be at stake.”
The “Pyesta sa Kakahuyan,” now on its eleventh year, was established by Defensor when he was governor in 1999.
He said the 11th “Pyesta sa Kakahuyan” symbolizes his administration’s thrust towards a massive reforestation program especially in watersheds.
Participants came from various government agencies, schools, non-government organizations, civic clubs, the military and police, local government units and provincial government offices.
Their vehicles formed the convoy that spanned almost a kilometer.
Maasin Mayor Mariano Malones said it was the first time that such large number of participants joined the tree-planting at Maasin watershed since 2001.
Malones said Maasin watershed is not only a source of water for Iloilo City and nearby towns but it also saved Maasin town from the massive flooding brought by typhoon Frank in June 2007.
“If not for the trees at the watershed, many communities here in Maasin could have been washed out by the flood,” the mayor said.*
