By Gideon C. Corgue
This was proven by 30 persons with disabilities (PWDs) who actively joined the tree planting activity organized by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) at Brgy. Balintawak.
The activity is in line with the commemoration of the 34th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week on July 17-23, which espouses the theme “Mainstreaming of Persons with Disabilities in Economic Development.”
Zamboanga del Sur Federation of Differently-Abled Persons, Inc. (ZSFDAPI) Pres. Benjamin Solivio said he was happy that a tree planting activity was included in this year’s celebration.
“We are happy that the government included the tree planting activity in this year’s celebration. Despite our physical limitations, we will perform our social obligation to the community by planting trees. We want to show to the world that we are productive members in the community and we can contribute not only on the economic development but also in the protection and preservation of our environment,” Solivio said.
Solivio, who is physically handicapped, said it is s a joy to see PWDs with one hand, and one leg planting trees in the area.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR) information officer Nenita Ascura said they conducted an information campaign on the National Greening Program, especially on the importance of planting trees before the activity was held.
Ascura said the DENR involved the PWDs in the re-greening activities because they are potential and productive workers, notwithstanding their physical limitations.
Ascura observed that PWDs have shown their active support to the program throughout the entire activity.
She said they will not only teach them how to plant trees but also teach them how to regularly take care of it.
The information officer added that CENRO has identified the planting site, digged the holes, and supplied planting materials.
“Around 30 mahogany seedlings were distributed to the PWDs,” she said. (GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)