.5M tree seedlings planted in uplands

More than 500,000 seedlings of timber and fruit bearing trees were planted in the mountainous areas of Ilocos Norte to mark environment month.

Engr. Juan P. de los Reyes Jr., Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Ilocos Norte, said the massive planting of the seedlings was achieved through the help of the members of the various people’s organizations (POs) in the different towns of the province.
“The people’s organizations were involved in the administration’s National Greening Program (NGP),” he said.

The seedlings were planted in at least 500 hectares in the hinterlands of Vintar, Solsona, Marcos, Nueva Era, Carasi and Piddig.

“This is a continuing activity of the PENRO during the on-set of the rainy season or even beyond the environment month celebration. This is our commitment to preserve nature and mitigate climate change,” he explained.

Aside from the massive tree planting activities, an environmental forum is set on June 30 at the Tabacalera Hall in Laoag City to be attended by the representatives of all local government units, non-government organizations, academe, stakeholders and private sectors.

The Ilocos Norte Green Summit aims to address environmental issues in the Ilocos region such as coastal management updates; Republic Act 9003 and the recent trends in the field of waste management; fisheries situation and practices in Ilocos Norte and Philippine climate change. (MCA/FGL,PIA-1 Ilocos Norte)