SOUTH COTABATO / SULTAN KUDARAT — Two large-scale tree growing activities were recently conducted in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, highlighting the continued push for ecological restoration, climate change adaptation, and environmental awareness in the region.
From July 29 to 31, the Protected Area Management Office of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (PAMO-MMPL), in partnership with Endangered Species International (ESI) Philippines, held a three-day tree growing initiative in Sitio Glandang, Brgy. Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato. The activity was conducted under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two organizations as part of a Re-Entry Action Plan (REAP) aimed at strengthening environmental protection in key biodiversity areas.
A total of 625 native seedlings were planted across one hectare of land. The species included Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Nato (Palaquium luzoniense), Kalantas (Toona calantas), and Bakan (Litsea philippinensis), all of which were provided by ESI Philippines to help rehabilitate forest ecosystems and improve biodiversity within the Mt. Matutum landscape.
Volunteers from Swire Shipping Pte Ltd., the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Tupi, ESI Philippines staff, and PAMO-MMPL personnel joined forces to carry out the planting. The collaboration underscores the growing community effort to protect native trees, restore natural habitats, and build climate resilience in local communities.
Meanwhile, in Sultan Kudarat, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) led the planting of 700 tree seedlings in the municipality of Esperanza on August 1. The tree growing activity is part of PENRO’s “Tree Growing Movement,” which emphasizes not just planting but nurturing trees to ensure their long-term environmental benefits.
Around 350 participants took part in the event, including personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Army’s 6th Field Artillery Battalion, local government of Esperanza, barangay officials from Villamor, and school administrators and students from Villamor and New Tarlac Elementary Schools.
Seedlings planted included fruit-bearing trees, kamagong, and golden trees, which were used for school landscaping and reforestation. PENRO Sultan Kudarat highlighted that these trees are expected to provide shade, clean air, and a host of ecological benefits for years to come.
These twin initiatives reflect a shared commitment among government agencies, civil society, and local communities to foster a greener, more sustainable future in Soccsksargen.