SIQUIJOR, Siquijor Feb. 7 (PIA) — Increasing water supply, reforestation, clean and healthy environment are few of the primary goals of the series of tree-growing activitities and clean-up drives that several groups here conducted.
In celebration of the World Wetland Day on Feb. 2, the province of Siquijor conducted a tree-growing activity and Coastal Clean-up Drive spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here.
The activity was done early morning of Feb. 1 at the Timberland area in Brgy. Balolang, Larena, Siquijor in coordination with the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) headed by Executive Director Auburn Patrick Samson, DENR7 Regional Executive Director Paquito Melicor, Jr., and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Laurentino Baustista.
Engaging the support of the Local Government of Larena, Barangay Local Government Unit of Balolang, Provincial Local Government Unit, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Siquijor, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and some non-government organizations, the participants planted a total of 50 Molave trees.
Mayor Cyrus Vincent Calibo vowed to give his full support to the DENR’s initiative in terms of environmental management and conservation.
Provincial Environment and Tourism Officer Engr. Cle Bern Paglinawan also gave value to growing trees.
He said it helps solve the problem on water and appealed to Siquijodnons to support DENR’s programs such as planting of trees prticularly in Brgy. Balolang where the lack of water is its greatest concern.
The DENR promotes the celebration of World Wetland to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and planet which is valuable for flood protection, water quality improvement, shoreline erosion control, natural products, recreation and aesthetics.
This year’s theme is “Wetlands Actions for People and Nature” which connotes that man needs nature more than nature needs him, said Bautista.
On Feb. 2, PENRO Siquijor personnel from the Conservation and Development Section also conducted a coastal clean-up and tidal debris removal at Tulapos, Enrique, Villanueva, Siquijor with the Barangay Local Government Unit of Tulapos, PNP Tourist Police, and Tulapos Marine Sanctuary Tour Guides.
An estimated 105 kilograms of tidal debris and waste materials were collected on the coastline of Tulapos, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor, according to the report from DENR here.
Waste collected were plastic, glass bottles, plastic bottles, tin cans, rags, torn fishing nets, rubbers, and ropes. (RAC/PIA7 Siquijor with reports from John Carl Ladion and DENR-Siquijor)
