DENR, MAKIMA stakeholders to plant 2 million trees by 2023

KIAMBA, Sarangani province (July 7, 2020) - The collaborative efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the municipalities of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum (MAKIMA) are envisioned towards planting of 2 million trees in the next three (3) years.

In an interview with the CENR Officer Ali M. Hadjinasser, PhD on the reforestation program of CENRO Kiamba, he said, “We also have an overwhelming support from Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) who are willing to take part in our advocacy to have a sustainable environment”.

“In fact, our partners have already raised 100,000 seedlings ready for planting,” Hadjinasser emphasized.

“As planned, they will establish a tree nursery for Molave, Kamagong, Toog, Bagras, Bamboo and fruit trees like jackfruit, mango, avocado, guyabano and durian. They have also included vegetable seeds for distribution to the identified beneficiaries,” he added.

This movement was made possible through the partnership with Kiamba Sarangani Development Circles Inc (KSDCI), Kiamba Sarangani Development Foundation Inc. (KDSFI), One Kiamba, Maitum Advocate for Sustainable Environment (MASE), the Provincial Local Government of Sarangani, the Municipalities of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum (MAKIMA) and their respective barangays.

Along with this plan, the intensified efforts of reforestation were initiated during the campaign to make Mt. Busa as a national park to be included among the protected areas legislated under the expanded NIPAS Act or RA 11038.

The identified native tree species will be planted in the protection forest while the fruit trees in areas under the production forest.

“As to the crop suitability, we will partner with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for soil testing. The DENR shall ensure that the resources are prepared before planting will commence,” CENRO Hadjinasser said.

The tree growing project is an opportunity to show to the public that they can find a more sustainable source of income in planting trees rather than cutting it.

Hadjinasser likened the project to “hitting two birds with one stone”, as the fruit bearing trees that shall be planted will benefit the nearby communities as a source of livelihood.

According to Hadjinasser, “This is our response to the several apprehensions we conducted in the last two months. Those incidents mean a family have lost their source of living. However, we shall introduce them to the reforestation program which will let them realize that there are more sustainable sources of income when we plant and grow trees,” he said.

This undertaking is in addition to the ongoing flagship program of DENR—the Enhanced National Greening Program (NGP) which started in 2011.

The 2 million seedlings to be raised will be planted to an estimated area of 4,000 hectares of denuded forest inside and outside the MAKIMA area. (Aileen D. Tenio, Information Officer Designate)