BSP celebrates 20th anniversary thru “Coin for a Tree” project

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-Zamboanga continues its advocacy on environmental protection with the “Coin for a Tree” project as a highlight of BSP’s month-long 20^th Anniversary.

Mr. Melodino Patiño, BSP-Zamboanga Branch Head, said the activity centers on two important objectives:  to promote coin circulation, and to support and promote the government’s reforestation program.

The “Coin for a Tree” project encourages participants to exchange their coins for seedlings making way for them to use all their kept coins.

“If we can bring those coins back into circulation, the BSP will mint less of them generating savings, which can be used to fund government projects such as construction of school buildings, farm-to-market roads, as well as other social development projects,” Mr. Patiño said.

The activity also aims to set an example to others the importance of environmental protection and conservation.

BSP has a mini-forest project in Abong-Abong covering two hectares of land planted with over 3,500 growing trees, which was started in 2004.

Participants would be exchanging their P50 of P1 coin or smaller denomination for a seedling. The proceeds of the project will go to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) for the propagation of more seedlings. (PIA9)