The DENR-CENRO Calauag, Quezon, through its Conservation and Development Section and the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) for Alabat Watershed Forest Reserve (AWFR), held a tree growing activity on 14 September 2023 in partnership with the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Alabat District along streambanks of Boong River in Brgy. Villa Victoria, Alabat, Quezon.

 

The said activity aims to encourage individuals to conserve and enhance the status of the ozone layer and promote environmental well-being to safeguard the health and safety of the community in Barangay Villa Victoria.

This further incorporates this year’s advance celebration of two significant environmental events, the International Day for the Conservation of Ozone Layer, originally celebrated every September 16 , and the World Environmental Health Day which is observed every September 26. Themes for this year are: "Montreal Protocol, Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change" and, "Global Environmental Public Health, Standing Up to Protect Everyone's Health Each and Every Day," respectively.

 

Prior to the tree planting, FT I Allan P. Panganiban, the CENRO Calauag National Greening Program (NGP) Assistant Focal Person, demonstrated the proper planting of seedlings in the site.

Afterwards, participants proceeded to the planting site along portions of Boong River which was then followed by an environmental awareness campaign at the barangay hall of Villa Victoria, Alabat, Quezon.

Forester III Romel David D. Rama, APASu of AWFR, emphasized that the activity was not just for the celebration of the environmental events, but also for the engagement of the community to support the DENR in caring for the environment and to put the same into practice.

 

Likewise, the Principal of Alabat Central Elementary School, Dr. Antonio O. Luna, DH, PhD iterated that the activity should not only focus on the actual planting but rather on the sincerity that one puts towards such activity. He added that the success of tree-growing activities depends on the dedication of individuals who continuously participate in such undertakings.

 

Dr. Luna also encouraged the barangay residents to tirelessly support the same activities related to the growing of trees to improve environmental health. He added that the residents of Villa Victoria and their students in ALS were fortunate since they became involved with the personnel of DENR-CENRO Calauag in celebration of two of the significant environmental events.

 

Furthermore, AWFR APASu Rama headed the discussion of topics related to the conservation of the ozone layer and environmental health during the awareness campaign. Some of the topics tackled were the Montreal Protocol, Effects of Ozone Depletion, Updates on Ozone Layer, Climate Change, Public and Environmental Health, Human Activities Affecting Environmental and Human Health, AWFR Profile, and salient features of some environmental and forestry laws.

 

Forester II Aleli C. Alvarez, on behalf of CENR Officer Joselito D. Barros, believed that the participants gained knowledge on the importance of the ozone layer in protecting the Earth. She stressed that their acquired knowledge is important to maintain and improve the environment’s health for the welfare of living organisms inhabiting the environment.

 

Forester Alvarez also explained the meaning of “tree growing,” wherein the DENR encourages the people not only to plant trees but also to initiate activities for the survival of the planted trees.

She added that it is significant to know the vital purpose of the community in maintaining and improving environmental health since its status has a direct effect on the people and other organisms existing therein.

A total of 100 Lipote and Narra seedlings were planted along the streambanks of Boong River, Brgy. Villa Victoria, Alabat, Quezon by volunteers from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Alabat District; ALS Cluster 7, Alabat, Quezon; Alabat Central Elementary School; BLGU and residential area of Brgy. Villa Victoria; and DENR-CENRO Calauag.

 

Meanwhile, Brgy. Councilor Virginia Intoma expressed a positive impression to CENRO Calauag and concerned academic offices for choosing their barangay to celebrate the International Day for the Conservation of Ozone Layers and World Environmental Health Day this 2023. According to her, Brgy. Villa Victoria is looking forward for possible related activities in the future.###