Different varieties of fruit–bearing trees are available at the city hall for everybody. Photo by Armand M. Galang
CABANATUAN CITY — Amid the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the city government launched a re-intensified environmental program aimed at re-greening this city, a home to over 125,000 resident-families, businesses, and educational institution.
The launch Monday served as the kick-off to the celebration of the Environment Month with the distribution fruit-bearing tree seedlings for the Tree-Volution 2.0: Greening Cabsy Now! Which is part of the city government’s continuing program called Balik Luntiang Cabanatuan.
“Ito po ay karugtong ng programang My Cabanatuan Advocacy: A Cleaner and Greener City na dati nang isinasagawa ng ating pamahalaang lungsod sa pangunguna ng ating punong lungsod Mayor Myca Elizabeth Vergara,” said Michelle Rigor, head of the city environment and natural resources office, adding that trees are vital in addressing air pollution and taking care of the environment.
“Ang isang mature na punongkahoy ay nag-a-absorb po siya ng 22 kilos ng carbon dioxide kaya napakahalaga po na magkaroon ng pagtatanim ng puno kahit urbanisado na ang isang lugar,” Rigor explained.
Rigor said the city government will be giving away different kinds of seedlings to all government employees and residents who will visit the city hall in the whole month of June.
“Kaakibat po nito ang obligasyon na ito ay itanim nila at meron po kaming nakalagay doon na pamamaraan ng pagtatanim,” she added.
The recipient shall have to show proof that he or she planted the tree such as tagging the ENRO in social media post.
She stressed that no huge gathering for this year’s program can be done in observance of community quarantine protocols. However, some tree planting activities are being undertaken under strict protocol compliance in some villages, including Macatbong, Valle Cruz, Samon, Obrero, as well as in urban areas of Burgos Street’s center island and Plaza Lucero.
The program is also supported by the city agriculture livelihood and management office headed by Leni Reyes, according to the ENRO.
“Ang pamamahagi po namin ng mga seedlings ay upang patuloy nating mahikayat ang bawat isa na mahalaga ang pagtatanim ng mga puno lalo na sa ating mga bakuran, nilalayon din ng programang ito na masigurong ito ay lalaki at pakikinabangan sa tamang panahon, kaya’t hiling po namin na alagaan, palaguin, at siguraduhing ito’y mabubuhay,” Rigor said.
