WATER FOR PEACE: NURTURING WATER BODIES IN MANOLO FORTICH THROUGH TREE PLANTING

World Water Day 2024

In an attempt to further cultivate the natural water bodies in Manolo Fortich, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 10, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) led a Tree Planting Activity at Sitio Ogaong Lake, Sto Niño, Manolo Fortich.

The Tree Planting Activity transpired last Friday, March 22, 2024, in accordance with the World Water Day 2024 celebration with the theme, “Water for Peace: Pagkakaisa tungo sa Seguridad Pantubig,” an advocacy that celebrates the life of water bodies and urges people to unite for their preservation and sustenance through activities such as Tree Planting.

MENRO Natural Resources Division Staff and head of the Tree Planting Activity, Ronald Baslan, also elaborated on how the activity can help preserve the natural resources of water bodies, especially Ogaong Lake. "Ang kahoy maka produce og tubig. Importante kaayo iyang role para sa pag restore ug pag maintain sa atong mga katubigan na kung unsa naman gani kadugay sa panahon, dili ma hubsan og tubig ang atong mga katubigan sama sa Ogaong Lake. Dako og role ang kahoy sa katubigan."

A total of 100 seedlings supplied by DENR were planted, with 50 seedlings producing the Bangkal Tree that thrives in wetlands due to its advantageous growth near bodies of water. The remaining 50 seedlings are Bayok Trees, planted in dry lands near Ogaong Lake but far enough from its water.

Around 92 participants took part in the Tree Planting Activity, comprising personnel from different offices of the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich, the 52nd Engineering Brigade, the Manolo Fortich Philippine National Police (MF PNP), and members of Tayo ang Kalikasan, long-term partners of the LGU in environmental care activities.

Baslan also emphasized the significance of those who took the challenge of journeying towards Ogaong Lake to plant trees, "Dako kaayo ta og role mga nagtanom ani nga mga kahoy kay number one, kita usahay ang rason sa destruction tungod sa pagpamutol. So, trabaho nato nga motabang og bawi ani…Kung magtanom ta og kahoy, mas daghan og tubig, mas daghan carbon dioxide, mas landong, mas dugay mo evaporate ang tubig, naa puy maka restore sa tubig."

The World Water Day celebration does not limit itself to Tree Planting Activities. Initiatives such as clean-up drives for both dry and wetlands are included, as well as revisiting tree-planted areas to assess and replenish their growing progress. Manoleños are encouraged to be mindful of the importance of water bodies not only during the celebration of World Water Day but every day, as water is vital to life.