Environment office leads tree planting, clean up drive

By Merlito G. Edale, Jr.

Thursday 14th of June 2012

SAN MATEO, Isabela, June 14 (PIA) -- The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of San Mateo led local government and non-government organizations in a tree planting activity at the banks of Magat river. A clean up drive was also conducted at parks and public places.

The activity was part of the town's observance of 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day and environment month.

Henry Magno, MENRO of San Mateo, said the tree planting was conducted to support the government’s greening program and environment month activity while the clean up drive is to prevent the occurrence of dengue cases in the town.

Magno said that the entry of rainy season will trigger the occurrence of dengue cases and cleaning the town’s surroundings is the best way to drive mosquitoes away.

The group also cleaned canals or esteros in the public market and in parks.

Meanwhile, bamboo seedlings were planted at the Magat River banks to help prevent soil erosion during flash floods.

He said the local government unit is providing free fruit bearing and forest tree seedlings to the public. These can be planted in backyards or public places.

At least 500 bamboo seedlings were planted at the banks of Magat river yesterday and the local government unit of San Mateo is planning to plant more in the coming months. (TCB/MGE/PIA- Isabela)