Soldiers asked to help in preserving nature

From the Sun Star-Pampanga (Aug 13): Soldiers asked to help in preserving nature

A high-ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has asked soldiers belonging to the First Air Division of the Philippine Air Force to contribute in the world-wide effort of saving nature.

Major General Raul Del Rosario, commander of the PAF First Air Division, issued his message to the soldiers during the start of the division’s 44th founding anniversary celebration on Thursday.

The anniversary celebration, dubbed “Bagwis Ng Kapayapaan, Tagapagtaguyod nd Bayanihan, Sa Sakuna Maaasahan,” highlighted activities including tree planting and fun-biking inside the Freeport.

Lieutenant Princess Santos, public information officer of the First Air Division, said that some 200 seedlings of mahogany and eucalyptus tree were planted at the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) grounds and Air Force City golf course.

The soldiers’ 20-kilometer biking activity was led by Del Rosario and other officials of the air division.

Santos said the seedlings were sourced from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of Tarlac City.

CDC officials, bike enthusiasts, and other guests participated in the celebration of the PAF First Air Division, according to Santos.

Lieutenant Colonel Arnold Tapia, chief of the PAF First Air Division’s Civil Military Operations said that their events are aimed to emphasize the importance of educating the community about healthy body and sound mind.

“These events are part of the traditional pre-anniversary activities of the 1st Air Division and are also geared to educating the community on how to contribute to the thrust of saving mother nature,” Tapisa said.

Del Rosario, who completed his military course at the Philippine Military Academy in 1992, said that the AFP is committed to protecting the people and protecting the environment.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/08/13/soldiers-asked-help-preserving-nature-424411