Thursday, June 26, 2008 PAF soldiers wage 'war' vs global warming
PORAC -- Answering the call to help save the country from the harmful effects of global warming, members of the 760th Combat Group of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) led various sectors and non-government organizations in Barangay Babo Sacan here for a massive tree planting program last Wednesday.
The activity is in celebration of the 17th anniversary of the 710th Special Operations Wing (SPOW), the mother group of the 760th Combat Group and six other PAF combat groups in Luzon.
The PAF said it is better to plant more trees that serve as the first defense against the harmful effects of global warming.
Lieutenant Colonel Gerson Labos of the 760th Combat Group called on local officials here to join in planting 3,000 Kalibangbang, Tamarind and Acacia seedlings. The tree planting covered areas from Planas to Pio Road as well as sections of the Porac-Sta. Rita Road in Babo Sacan.
"The responsibility of caring for the environment is a responsibility of the Philippine Air Force, the government, and ordinary citizens. We are recognizing the good benefits of trees in terms of beatification and contribution to maintaining the ecological balance in our environment," Labos said.
Mayor Rogelio Santos, speaker during the affair, lauded the PAF's efforts in prioritizing the town for the tree planting activity adding that it was the first step in helping the environment.
"The threats of global warming are real and very alarming. Floods could not be so devastating if we just plant more trees and device guidelines to match development without harming our natural environment," Santos added.
Aside from the tree planting, the 760th Combat Group conducted blood-letting activities to celebrate the anniversary of the mother SPOW.
Lieutenant Gilde Ravelo, director of the Civic Military Operations (CMO) of the Combat Group, said the other six combat groups under the 710th SPOW had simultaneously celebrated the event with other social and medical services for local communities in their areas of responsibility.
Students from Saint Catherine Academy of Porac and Pulung Santol High School, barangay leaders in this town, Porac Riders Club, Tricycle Riders Club, Porac Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police here participated in the event.
Ravelo added that the 760th Combat Group will be in Barangay Planas, Porac on Saturday for another medical and dental mission to local indigents. (IOF)
