IF EVERY human being will plant a tree in his lifetime, then we are assured of life here on earth. Trees are the lungs of nature.
Advocating for preservation of environment, Phoenix Philippine Foundation initiated and participated in a series of tree planting activities where it planted 8,000 assorted seedlings in six of its adopted sites. Their employees and other volunteers from Mindanao planted 1,500 narra propagules at the Malagos Watershed in Calinan, Davao City. Phoenix also planted 2,000 abaca corms at the Timberland and Agro-forest Area in Koronadal City, South Cotabato in June; 1,000 lauan and narra seedlings in Mt. Matutum in General Santos City; 1,000 narra propagules at Taguibo Watershed in Butuan; and 1,500 lauan and narra seedlings at Mahuganan watershed in Cagayan de Oro.
San Miguel Brewery (SMB) plant Engr. Camadang, together with SMB volunteer employees and officials of Barangay Tuban, took part in planting 2,500 propagules as part of the annual tree planting project of SMB's "Buhayin ang Kalikasan" program at My Paradise Beach in Sitio Talaw, Barangay Tuban, Sta .Cruz, Davao del Sur. The denuded, eroded beach line badly needs rehabilitation. The forested mangrove areas are needed as these serve as protective and breeding areas of some marine species. The young seek shelter in the mangroves until they can swim back to the sea.
Another commendable program for propagation of trees is the Adopt-a-tree at School program in the different schools at Suawan-Kulafu Sub-watershed areas in Davao City. Members of the Regional Convergence Initiatives (RCI) organized this as a sort of contest among students. The purpose is to inculcate in the young generation the right values on environmental awareness and protection. Students plant and nurture the trees under their care. The trees are planted in their school vicinity. One student may plant two trees. They nurture, fertilize, clean, and water their trees until they are fully grown. Fruiting trees like mangoosteen, guyabano, durian, and even narra and lauan are among the trees that were planted. The project is replicated in many schools. Special awards are given regularly for the best grown trees by the RCI.
Others can also do their part through urban tree planting, which can be done in vacant lots or at your homes.