Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte—In a remarkable show of unity for environmental sustainability, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Liloy partnered with the Local Government Unit (LGU) to plant trees at Liloy Central School. This initiative, part of the Pagbabago Bags campaign led by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Western Mindanao Satellite Office, aligns with the nationwide “A Million Learners and Trees Campaign” and underscores the crucial role trees play in the fight against climate change.
Courtesy of DENR Region IX.
CENRO Liloy provided 170 seedlings for the event, including 30 Narra, 70 Banaba, and 70 Renguilla (cherry blossom) seedlings. These native species are well-regarded for their capacity to boost biodiversity and stabilize the local ecosystem. Volunteers from the LGU, Liloy Central School’s faculty and staff, and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) actively participated in the event, with each planting a tree to signify a commitment to a greener and healthier future.
As global temperatures rise and climate unpredictability worsens, the role of trees has become paramount. Trees are not merely fixtures in the landscape; they serve as critical allies in reducing carbon dioxide levels, moderating temperatures, conserving water, and restoring degraded land. By planting trees, initiatives like this directly address climate change, improve local air quality, and help mitigate the risks of floods, landslides, and other climate-induced disasters.
The Pagbabago Bags campaign goes beyond simply planting trees; it fosters an awareness of the immediate and long-term benefits of environmental stewardship among communities. Each tree planted is not only a source of shade but a long-term investment in the community’s resilience and health. Trees contribute to a robust ecosystem by providing habitat for wildlife, enhancing soil fertility, and conserving water—a vital resource in the face of climate volatility.
CENRO Liloy, alongside the LGU, is dedicated to extending this campaign, focusing on forest landscape restoration and environmental education. Through continuous tree-growing activities, they aim to instill a sense of responsibility in the community and strengthen the region’s capacity to adapt to and mitigate climate impacts.
In a world increasingly impacted by environmental challenges, every tree planted serves as a symbol of resilience, hope, and collective action against climate change. This initiative underscores the power of collaborative efforts in creating lasting, positive environmental change, safeguarding not only local communities but also contributing to the global fight against climate degradation.
