Koronadal City—In a major step toward environmental resilience, more than 7,000 tree seedlings were successfully planted across four barangays—Topland, Mabini, Cacub, and Paraiso—during a large-scale tree growing activity spearheaded by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). With approximately 600 planters from various sectors joining the effort, the event marked a united front against climate-related challenges such as flooding, soil erosion, and rising global temperatures.
The tree growing activity was not just a symbolic gesture—it was a strong call to action. City and barangay officials, local government employees, students, volunteers from the private sector, and environmental advocates came together with a shared mission: to expand Koronadal’s green spaces and nurture a healthier, more sustainable city for future generations.
But while tree planting often captures headlines and community enthusiasm, experts and environmentalists alike emphasize an equally crucial component—tree growing.
“Planting is only the beginning,” said a CENRO representative. “Our goal is not just to put seedlings in the ground, but to ensure they survive, thrive, and serve the purpose they were planted for.”
Indeed, many tree planting initiatives fail when follow-up care is neglected. Without monitoring, proper watering, protection from pests, or guarding against human activity, the majority of seedlings may not reach maturity. This renders the effort ineffective and sometimes even wasteful.
In Koronadal, however, the local government recognizes this challenge. The tree growing campaign underscores a shift in mindset—from one-time events to long-term stewardship. Ensuring that each tree contributes to flood mitigation, air purification, and ecological balance requires community commitment beyond the planting day.
The success of this initiative also reflects a growing environmental awareness among the people of Koronadal. CENRO continues to urge citizens to participate in upcoming environmental activities, highlighting that sustained involvement is key to the city’s long-term green advocacy.
As climate threats intensify globally and locally, Koronadal’s initiative sends a timely reminder: planting is a promise, but growing is a responsibility. The future of forests and communities alike depends on our ability to nurture that promise into living, lasting change.