PGBh encourages Tree Growing activities
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) strongly encourages the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Civic Organizations, Schools, Churches, Hotels, Resorts, and Companies to conduct Tree Growing activities in their respective localities for their Civic Projects and/or Corporate Social Responsibility Projects.
This, as the employees of OPA have already been conducting Tree Growing activities in different parts of Bohol. Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog said that the OPA through its established plant nurseries in Del Carmen Sur, Balilihan; Macaas, Tubigon; and Gabi, Ubay has been producing seedlings of Fruit-Bearing Trees and Bamboos to be used in these activities. Quirog stressed that the available seedlings, such as: Mango, Chestnut, Avocado, Coffee, Pomelo, Santol, Guava, Atis, Tambis, Jackfruit, Cacao, Lemon, Guyabano, Rambutan, Lomboy, Marang, Mulberry, Lemonsito, Lime, Magicfruit, Mangosteen, Lanzones, Durian, Tamarind, Chicos, and Tambis, can be given for the purpose of dispersal through first come-first served basis under Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-004.
The purposes of the Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-004 shall be to: converge the efforts of all citizens in the revitalization of the environment by increasing the number of trees in the province; mitigate the effects of climate change by increasing the carbon sink; enhance biological diversity and increase forest cover by planting native timber and non-timber, fruit-bearing trees and mangrove species; promote environmental protection and disaster risk reduction by stabilizing the riverbanks, landslide and flood-prone areas; ensure food sufficiency and security by planting fruit-bearing trees; increase supply of lumber, wood and non-wood-based products; and enhance livelihood opportunities by increasing the supply of raw materials for cottage industries.
The Provincial Agriculturist clarified that this developed as the PGBh abides Section 2 of RA 10176 which provides that “it shall be the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature;” which recognizes the vital role and importance of trees in ecological stability.
The Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-004 states that same law (RA 10176) further provides that there is a need for a collaborated effort between the State and its citizenry to combat the loss of our natural resources and rejuvenate our environment by undertaking nationwide tree planting activities and providing effective measures for their maintenance and sustainability. By Atoy Cosap