DIGOS CITY — In celebration of Earth Day 2025, the City Government of Digos, through its City Greening Program, spearheaded a Mangrove Tree Planting and Coastal Clean-Up Activity today, April 22, in Barangay Sinawilan.
The community-driven event saw the planting of 1,075 mangrove seedlings and the collection of 35 sacks of garbage, with 659 volunteers from both the public and private sectors working hand-in-hand for the environment.
Various organizations joined the initiative, including Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO), Inc., the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) Davao del Sur Chapter, Digos Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative (DIMAVEMC), Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) students from the Polytechnic College of Davao del Sur, Veterinary Medicine students from Davao del Sur State College, Divine Mercy Apostolic Church, the 39th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Coast Guard, Digos City Parole and Probation Office, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Barangay Sinawilan officials and personnel.
Highlighting the event, DASURECO General Manager Engr. Jerry Monastil encouraged participants to embrace their role as stewards of the environment. “Dili lang basta nagtanom ta ug kahoy, kundili nagtanom ta ug paglaum… Paglaum for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable environment,” he said.
DASURECO, along with the IIEE Davao del Sur Chapter led by Engr. Psalm Ocio, is among the organizations that have committed to adopting mangrove areas in support of the city’s coastal protection efforts.
Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas, members of the 8th City Council, and Barangay Sinawilan’s Punong Barangay Bobby Palmero also visited the Digos Mangrove Nursery during the activity to inspect the site’s progress and discuss future environmental initiatives.
Engr. Allen Christy Melendrez, head of the City Greening Program, reminded community members of their individual responsibility in caring for the environment. She emphasized that environmental stewardship starts at home — by properly disposing of garbage and sorting waste to prevent clogged drainage systems and reduce pollution in rivers and coastal waters.
The City Greening Program is set to continue its coastal clean-up and mangrove planting efforts throughout the month in other coastal barangays, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainability and resilience.
Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd worldwide to promote awareness and action for environmental protection.