1FAB, KBP hold tree planting amid Covid-19 pandemic

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 28, 2020): 1FAB, KBP hold tree planting amid Covid-19 pandemic (By Gideon C. Corgue) 

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur, Sep 27 (PIA) –Despite the problems faced by the people due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), the 1st Field Artillery (Beat 'Em) Battalion, Philippine Army and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Zamboanga del Sur Chapter hold tree planting activity in the mountainous area of barangay Tinotongan in this town.

The tree planting is one of the regular activities conducted by 1FAB in their six (6) adopted barangays in the municipalities of Tukuran and Labangan, and Pagadian City but it was temporarily halted on March 16 due to the pandemic.

The activity aims to help restore the lost forest cover, mitigate the impact of climate change and above all, promote the harmonious relationship between the Philippine Army and civilians.

The 1FAB , broadcasters of AM and FM radio stations, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, and 4-H club members climbed the mountain and planted 100 pieces of mahogany seedlings.

Jail Officer Renzo Colot, a KBP member said he actively participated in the planting of trees because it was part of his moral obligation to protect our environment.

“Miapil ako sa pagtanom ug kahoy aron makatabang pagpabalik sa mga nawala nga kahoy sa bukid ug aron mapugngan ang pagbaha ug pagdahili sa yuta nga maoy nagdulot pagkagusbat sa mga tanom ug pagkamatay sa mga hayop,” Colot said who planted tree seedlings.

(I participated in the tree planting because I want to help restore the lost mountain trees and to prevent flooding and landslides that cause damage to crops and the death of animals.)

According to Barangay Kagawad Dalmacio Calunsag, the Tinotongan mountain is already bald so it should be planted with trees.

He is pleased that 1FAB and KBP are continuing their tree planting program in their barangay despite the pandemic that we are facing.

Meanwhile, SK chairman Jaylord Puro said the Sanguniang Kabataaan did not also miss the opportunity to assist the soldiers and broadcasters in conducting the environmental initiative.

“We joined the activity because it is the responsibility of our young people to assist the soldiers in their environmental programs especially the planting of trees in the mountains to preserve the trees that give life to the people,” Puro said.

Puro said they have been providing support to the tree-planting activity since its inception in 2015.

“We climbed the mountain and joined the planting of trees to show our love for Mother Earth,” Puro concluded. (RVC/GCC-PIA/Zamboanga del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054342