The DENR-CENRO Calauag through the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) for Calauag Watershed Forest Reserve (CWFR) kicked off its first tree growing activity within the Multiple Use Zone (MUZ) of CWFR.

The said activity was part of the stakeholder engagement activity of CENRO Calauag highlighting the nationwide observance of Clean Air Month, Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, and National Environmental Awareness Month themed “Circular Actions for Climate Hope.”

The activity aimed to contribute to the reforestation efforts of the DENR and to inculcate environmental awareness among its stakeholders, particularly among the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) members of CWFR who are tasked with overseeing the management, protection, and conservation of the protected area. 

During the orientation prior to planting, For. Elloida E. Arenas, Assistant Protected Area Superintendent (APASu) of CWFR, explained that the planting materials were all fruit-bearing trees as these are the ones more suitable for planting in the MUZ than forest trees, as the area is already dominated with coconut. 

Meanwhile, For. Patrice Angela Veloso demonstrated and explained the proper handling and planting of seedlings. She reminded the participants to avoid stressing the plant by carefully holding the bottom of the potting bag and not on the plant’s stem. She also cited the proper soil depth where the seedlings must be planted. Moreover, she reminded the participants to properly dispose of the potting bags to maintain the cleanliness in the area.  

During the short opening program, For. Novet Joy S. Pantalunan, In-charge of Conservation and Development Section and concurrent PASu of CWFR, emphasized that the involvement of the stakeholders in the said activity is vital as they directly benefit from the watershed through the water that it supplies to the community. Hence, it signifies their share of responsibility with government agencies in the watershed’s conservation and protection.

Representatives from respective participating offices also delivered their messages including Pol. Captain Jernie Junne Merka of Philippine National Police (PNP), Board Member Hon. Angelo Eduarte of Brgy. Yaganak, Mr. Jerome Beruela of Calauag Water District, Ms. Jonalyn Laco of International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), and Brgy. Chairman of Yaganak, Hon. Melvin Malacad.  

The participating offices conveyed their support for the activity and expressed willingness to be involved in other related activities in the succeeding years to ensure the conservation and protection of natural resources in the Municipality of Calauag, Quezon.

The tree-growing activity was facilitated by the interim Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) staff of CWFR with the assistance of Information Officers and some CDS personnel.  Some PAMB members also engaged in the activity including the Barangay LGU of Brgy. Yaganak, MENR Office of Calauag, PNP, IIRR, and Calauag Water District (CWD).

A total of 110 fruit-bearing trees composed of 25 Lanzones (Lanzium domesticum), 25 Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa), 25 Mango (Mangifera indica), 25 Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), and 10 Lipote (Syzygium polycephaloides) trees were planted in the protected area.

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases
Published: 31 December 2023