NAGA CITY (PIA)— “From planting trees, we are planting essential values for the youth.”
This was the key message of San Jose Mayor Jerold B. Peña during the conduct of the tree-planting activity held Jan. 14, Saturday in Brgy. Calawit, San Jose, Partido, Camarines Sur.
The activity which was initiated by the San Jose Riders Safety Advocates of the Philippines (RSAP) headed by its Team Leader Salvador B. Pecaso Jr., was able to plant 500 pieces of Narra seedlings; 400 were planted at Brgy Calawit and 100 in Tambangan Elementary School, San Jose, Camarines Sur.
Amidst the strong drizzle, Mayor Peña, together with its main partner, the RSAP, 83rd Infantry “Matikas” Battalion headed by its Commanding Officer, LTC Rodito A. Gotladera, 1-Rider Party List, volunteers, and DENR-CENRO Goa, were able to cover 1.4 hectares of land as planting site.
“Our local government unit advocates for a cleaner and safer San Jose, that is why we are committed to engaging in activities, such as tree-planting, that would further help us achieve the betterment and sustainability of our environment,” Mayor Peña said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency-Camarines Sur.
As one of his advocacies, Peña believes that investing in a greener environment is not only suitable for the future generation but is also a holistic approach towards economic recovery.
“I believe this cause would not only help our future generation but would also generate a positive impact on our daily lives, and it is also a strategic move for my advocacy in Solid Waste Management that would cater our path to our economic progress,” Peña added.
As one of the mandates of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), not only organizations are encouraged to take an active role in the national greening program but also individuals as stakeholders who are responsible for averting the ill effects of climate change.
The said department also requires continuous rehabilitation and reforestation of degraded forest areas. More trees mean more oxygen in the air that we breathe and a safe habitat for endangered species.
Pecaso extended his gratitude to LGU San Jose thru Mayor Peña for the realization of the tree-planting activity, which he said, has been in the pipeline for the past years.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Mayor Jerold dahil agad nya pong inaksyunan ang aming hiling na maituloy ang plano naming tree-planting activity. We are happy that he have the same advocacy as ours,” Pecaso stated.
The Chief Executive, with his hashtag “Road to Million trees,” also expressed his appreciation to all the participants and the LGU’s partners who took the time to join the tree-planting activity.
“I am honored by the support of our partner agencies from DENR, AFP, and even organizations, such as 1Rider and RSAP. Hopefully, all San Josenians will join us in these endeavors,” Peña said. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)
