Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte — Under the shade of towering trees and the hopeful rustle of new seedlings, residents of Sitio Kalawit, Tinaplan marked the International Day of Forests with both purpose and pride. On March 21, the community, together with environmental stewards, rolled up their sleeves for a reforestation activity and wildlife release aimed at healing their corner of the earth.
This year’s global theme, “Forests and Food,” resonated deeply in this upland sitio where local families understand firsthand the link between healthy forests and food security. The initiative, spearheaded by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Manukan, brought together local community members, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, and licensed foresters in a collective effort to restore degraded timberland and promote biodiversity.
The morning’s work was rooted in hope for the future. Participants planted native tree species such as Molave (Vitex parviflora) and White Lauan (Shorea contorta) — both valued not only for their ecological importance but also for their role in combating the scars left by kaingin, or slash-and-burn farming practices, which had stripped the land bare.
But the day’s efforts went beyond planting. As a symbolic and ecological gesture, a juvenile Grey-faced Buzzard (Butastur indicus), a migratory bird of prey, was released back into its natural habitat. The young raptor had been surrendered by a concerned resident and, after careful rehabilitation and assessment by CENRO Manukan personnel, was finally strong enough to return to the wild.
The event stood as a testament to the power of community-led action and the deep connection between people and their environment. CENRO Manukan, through initiatives like this, continues to encourage local residents to take an active role in forest conservation and wildlife protection, ensuring that future generations will inherit a healthier, more resilient landscape.
As forests grow, so does hope — and in Sitio Kalawit, that hope is rooted firmly in both the soil and the hearts of the people.