Over 200 mahogany seedlings planted in Labangan town

By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – To help mitigate the impact of climate change, the 1^st Field Artillery Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment in collaboration with RMN-DXPR recently conducted a tree planting activity at Tabak Elementary School, Upper Pulacan, this municipality.

The teaching staff and Grade 6 pupils also joined the activity and planted some 200 seedlings of mahogany along the perimeter of the school.

1FAB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Hubert S. Acierto said the troopers actively support the National Greening Program of the government and engage key stakeholders in promoting peace and development,” Acierto said.

He declared that the 1FAB troopers are not only “expert cannoneers” but also experts in doing civil-military operations such as medical and dental civic action program, tree planting and other community-related endeavors.

Ms. Vivencia S. Roda, the school-in-charge said tree planting is very important because it reduces global warming. 

She added that planting trees is a must because it helps save our planet. “The trees not only remove harmful chemicals from the atmosphere, but also help reduce greenhouse gases,” she said quoting an environmentalist.

She encouraged the pupils to join the activity for the reason that an average size tree provides sufficient oxygen for a family of four in one year.  “It is evident that the trees are the natural habitat of animals and birds, as well as many endangered species,” she added.

Hadja Mariam Matarul, Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) president was grateful that the tree planting activity was held in the school.

“This is my first time to join tree planting. It is a fulfilling experience that as a mother you can help save the environment by planting trees,” Matarul, whose four children are studying in the school stated.  

Kenjay Parra, a grade 6 pupil was happy to join the 1FAB troopers, DXPR personnel and all his classmates in the activity.

“Sumali po ako sa pagtatanim ng mga kahoy dahil gusto kong makatulong sa ating pamahalaan pagsulong ng kanilang programa sa pagtatanim ng mga kahoy at upang mapaglabanan ang malubhang suliranin sa climate change,” Parra said.

(I joined the tree planting because I want to help the government in pursuing their greening program and to fight the severe problem on climate change.)