By Alma L. Tingcang
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibuga – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will be at the forefront of “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW,” which aims to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the Most Trees Planted Simultaneously in Multiple locations.
The present GWR is held by India which planted 1,945,535 trees for one hour in 408 locations across the country with 340,200 planters.
TreeVolution is a giant leap of faith seeking to plant 4.6 million trees in 6 regions throughout Mindanao on September 26, 2014 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, with 244,444 participants in an area of 9,200 hectares.
Dionesio B. Rago, PENRO-Forestry Specialist said DENR-Sibugay has identified 4 planting sites: Barangay Palomok, Titay – 40 has; Barangay Baluran, Tungawan – 12 hectares; Barangay Sta. Barbara, Imelda – 30 hectares and Barangay Guiwan, Payao – 17 hectares.
“For the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, we have targeted 200 hectares to be planted with rubber for watershed areas and “bakawan” for mangrove areas,” Rago quoted.
He said among the planters who have registered are LGUs, academe, peoples’ organizations and other concerned groups and individuals who care about the environment.
A total of 500 seedlings including cacao, coffee, timber, mangroves and fruit trees will be planted for every hectare, which would also achieve the 2014 National Greening Program (NGP) target of Mindanao.
Planters who are 18 years old and above may participate in this greatest environmental endeavor that could bring the Philippines into the Guinness World Records, the ultimate authority and official reference for world records of achievements since 1995.
Participants shall register at the TreeVolution Desk in all DENR Regional offices/PENRO/CENR offices or at TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW Facebook page.
DENR also welcomes sponsors who would like to be part of this praiseworthy endeavor by donating food, water, coffee, wristbands, transportation and mobility support, planting tools, mobility support, TreeVolution giveaways like shirts, caps, handtowels, among others.