BIÑAN CITY, Laguna (PIA) – Beyond promoting efficiency, integrity and progressiveness in civil service, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) led a tree-growing activity for a cause in Biñan City, Laguna in collaboration with the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the local government on September 16.
Themed, “Linggo ng Malasakit sa Kalikasan, Malasakit sa Lingkod Bayani”, the initiative coincides with the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary and highlights environmental conservation while honoring those who have previously served in the government.
Around 600 civil servants and volunteers took part in the activity, which primarily aims to benefit the environment and the community, as well as generate funds for the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani (PLBi) Program, created to instill hope and provide financial aid to the families of public servants who have died while in the line of duty.
According to CSC Chairperson Atty. Karlo Alexei Nograles, the funds raised during the activity will support the agency’s PLBi program, which offers one-time financial assistance of P100,000 and scholarships to the orphaned children of civil servants who have died in service.
“This 2024 tree growing for a cause initiative embodies our collective commitment to the environment and our dedication to honoring those who have served with distinction, that’s why this is for a cause. The proceeds we raise here, along with those from the recent Vibe Run activity, will contribute to this effort.”
Biñan was selected by the CSC and LLDA as the host city to launch the simultaneous lake-wide environmental activity that was participated by 17 cities and municipalities in Laguna.
Meanwhile, Biñan City Mayor Atty. Wilfredo Arman Dimaguila assured the public that the trees successfully planted will be closely monitored by the local government, primarily through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), to ensure that they are nurtured to grow and will eventually benefit residents in coastal and flood prone areas of the city.
The local chief executive highlighted the importance of conducting a tree growing activity as Biñan serves as the catch basin for neighboring towns and provinces, where floods typically lasts for about two to three months especially in low-lying and danger areas.
“This tree growing is very much important [for Biñan], especially as we can already observe the drastic changes in our weather, and that we can already feel the effects of climate change,” Dimaguila said.
Acting LLDA General Manager Atty. Senando A. Santiago also commended the commission and the local government for their collective efforts in making the ambitious lake-wide tree-growing activity a reality.
In total, 4,531 propagules were planted by participating civil servants from various government agencies in the region, including bamboo, as well as narra, molave, catmon, and other fruit-bearing trees. (CO,CH/PIA4A)
