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Tuesday, May 23, 2006
4-month tree festival to start June 3
SUBSTANCE, rather than form, will mark the city's upcoming "Tree Planting Festival" as representatives from participating agencies pledged to do follow-up work to ensure high rate of seedling survival.
To be launched on June 3 with an environmental walk patterned after the "alay-lakad," the four-month massive reforestation drive will concentrate on watersheds, parks, street sides, and open spaces.
"Tending and caring of the seedlings after planting will be crucial to the success of this community effort," noted Councilor Erdolfo Balajadia, co-chairperson of the festival committee.
Balajadia and Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. co-authored last January an ordinance declaring June to September as tree planting season to harness community support to restoring the city's dwindling greenery.
The committee took the cue from dean Gil Espiritu of the St. Louis University and forester Rosalio Goze who noted the failure of previous tree-planting attempts due to lack of follow-up.
Even as plans are afoot to establish a monitoring team, the committee urged project participants to eventually monitor regularly their assigned planting sites, document their activities, and submit regular reports to the City Environment and Parks Management Office (Cepmo).
Cepmo chief and festival chairperson Josephine Chan reiterated her call for existing environmental groups to submit reports on their previous project accomplishments so that these can be acknowledged, hopefully during the festival launching.
The ordinance establishing the festival noted that "it can be jibed with existing programs already in place so that these can be further strengthened," adding that the city's award-wining projects be exhibited and made an integral part of the festival.
Submission of the accomplishment reports will likewise prevent overlapping of assignments in areas already adopted by existing environmental groups.
Participants joining are urged to coordinate with the Cepmo for their planting sites. Those planning to do work at the Busol Watershed will coordinate with the public information division of the mayor's office, which is helping manage the ongoing Eco-walk environmental program for children.
The June 3 environmental walk will start at 6 a.m. from various barangays and police precincts, with the participants picking up litter along their way to the Burnham Park for the opening program.
A sub-committee headed by community affairs supervising officer Lawrence Adube of the City Mayor's Office is finalizing the details of the walk.
Mayor Braulio Yaranon and Representative Mauricio Domogan will give their respective messages during program, followed by the presentation of awards, launching through the release of balloons, and registration of and release of tree seedlings to participants. (RD)
(May 23, 2006 issue)
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