DENR Region XI

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI) in coordination with the Municipal Government of Carmen, Davao del Norte launches “Trees For Life” Project today in Carmen, Davao del Norte Municipal tree park.

There are 300 Mahogany seedlings planted during the launching which also coincides with the birthday of newly-appointed DENR Secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza.

The “Trees for Life” Project is in line with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s “Green Philippines Program” which aims to mitigate climate change, ensure water supply security, conserve biodiversity, established agroforestry, provide livelihood opportunity, and sustain supply of forest-based raw materials and production of alternative source of fuels.

Regional Executive Director (RED) Ricardo L. Calderon disclosed during the program that a total of 1.4 million trees will be planted in the entire Region XI. This will be planted within the protected and critical watershed areas, coastal and mangrove areas, agro-forestry areas and urban parks, green campuses, camps and subdivisions.

Calderon added that social mobilization strategies are being used to enjoin various sectors in the planting and nurturing of the 1.4 million trees that will be planted. To date, there are already 112 memorandum of agreement (MOAs) signed by stakeholders coming from LGUs, people’s organizations, academe and as well as private sectors.

Carmen Municipal Mayor Marcelino A. Paredes expressed his full support and gratitude to the department for choosing his municipality as one of the project recipients and further gives his assurance that the seedlings planted will be well taken cared of.

“I commend DENR-XI for their effort in protecting and conserving the environment, especially the reforestation of upland areas adjacent to Municipality of Carmen because this will in some way or another mitigate the perennial flooding experienced by the municipality during heavy rainfall,” Paredes added.

Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Antonio R. Inguillo of Panabo revealed that geographically, Carmen is the “catch basin” of Tuganay River watershed and its tributaries. Being situated in a low lying area, Carmen absorbs most of the overflowing water coming from Tagunay River during heavy downpours and rainy season.

Inguillo also said that with the department’s partnership with the local government, the Trees for Life Project” will be successful.

Over the years, various interventions have been implemented by DENR-XI to reforest and rehabilitate Tugunay River Watershed. CENRO Panabo has been implementing soil conservation measures and reforestation projects within the watershed which has a total area of 74,114 hectares. Tuganay River Watershed falls under two cities namely: Davao City and Panabo City as well as five municipalities in Davao del Norte namely Carmen, Braulio E. Dujali, Sto. Tomas, Kapalong and Talaingod. (Bing Sison/Ervs Mendoza)