SIMULTANEOUS TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY FOR THE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF THE RIVERS OF SARANGANI PROVINCE

September 13, 2022 – Early morning of Tuesday, 800 seedlings of Bamboo and Indigenous tree were simultaneously planted by more than 700 public servants, students, people’s organizations, and private sector partners at the Pangi River and Buayan-Malungon River, the two major rivers of Sarangani that drains in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.

This simultaneous tree planting activity is a nationwide campaign of the Department of Interior and Local Government in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture with the theme: “Buhayin ang Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan” in hope to renew the commitment to revive our forests and protecting the environment by bringing together the different sectors for the achievement of a common goal.

Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao, Mayors Alexander Bryan Reganit of Maitum, and George F. Falgui of Kiamba led the tree planting activity.

The said activity is also in celebration of the 65th birthday of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr. (PBBM) wherein under his administration, environmental preservation and sustainability and self-sufficiency are the focus.

Pangi River separates the Municipality of Kiamba and Maitum and is not only a known tourist spot because of the water tubing but it is recognized as one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines.

In his address, Governor Pacquiao emphasized that we are all committed in protecting our environment, “Dili na ta makakita og ani kanindot nga lugar by the time comes, kung atong ipadayun ug guba ang atong environment”.

The message of appreciation and encouragement to all LGUs was given by the DILG Provincial Director Samuel A. Camaganacan and messages of commitment and support were given by Mayor George F. Falgui of Kiamba, Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit of Maitum.

PENRO Maria Elvira V. Lumayag in her message to the leaders of the province, municipalities and barangays “I’m challenging you and requesting you to strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws. Mga kapitan, dapat wala pa naputol ang kahoy sa taas, magdakop na ta. Sa highway, dili natu ikalipay na nakadakop ta ug pila ka board feet, kay ibig sabihin dili maayo atong enforcement”.

To ensure a high survival rate of the planted Bamboo and Indigenous trees, Memorandum of Agreements were forged between DENR and the Barangays Tablao, in Kiamba, New La Union in Maitum, and Datal Tampal in Malungon.

Board Member Jess Bascuña, Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Jay Ramos former Kiamba Mayor Danny Martinez, and PENRO Rolando Tuballes together with the MENROs of the three municipalities also showed their commitment and support.

Also present in the said activity were men and women in uniform from the Philippine National Police led by Provincial Director PCol. Nicomedes P. Olaivar, Jr., the Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coastguard, Barangay Chairperson, different Civilian Volunteer Organizations and Siguil Hydro Power Corporation.