In coordination with the educators of Burnay, Lagawe, Ifugao, the Lagawe Municipal Police initiated a tree planting activity conducted in Burnay Elementary School compound on June 20, 2023.
This tree planting activity is conducted every month in selected Areas of Responsibility (AOR) of the police force and is voluntary in nature.
The pupils and youth were enjoined in the activity where they were educated on the importance of preserving forest land areas and tree planting.
In addition, tree planting activity was enacted in relation to the Makakalikasan core values followed by the police officers. It is a good take of action to include environment conservation not just by the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) but also in participation of other government and non-government units.
Initially, there were 18 participants composed of teachers from Burnay Elementary School and Ifugao State University (IFSU) interns. As the tree planting is within the school compound, 50 seedlings of mix of fruit bearing trees, Mahogany, narra, and Gmelina from the governor’s office. These are the major trees planted in selected areas that needs the presence of trees like the Mt. Binahagan located at Abinuan, Lagawe, Ifugao.
According to Police Corporal (PCpl) Jennifer Joyce P. Barungan, “Sa program namin, although it is conducted every month, pero during rainy seasons of June or July kami nagtatanim para ma-replenish ang mga old trees.” (In our program, although it is conducted every month, but we plant during rainy seasons of June or July to replenish the old trees.)
She added that before planting trees, there is need to evaluate the area to identify what type of trees is suitable and can withstand the type of weather in the vicinity.
After months of planting, visitations are needed for weeding the surrounding areas and watering the planted seedlings if needed. It is also to ensure that it will successfully grow.
Laurence L. Guinaob, a fourth-year criminology intern at Ifugao State University said, “As an intern participating in the tree planting ket kasla umas asideg ti rikna iti community.” (As an intern participating in the tree planting, it made me feel closer to the community)”
He added that joining community services with an open heart and volunteerism so that with small contributions like this will lessen environmental problems.
More importantly, mobilizing the community specially tapping youth organizations like Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) will inspire young ones to appreciate activities like clean-up drive activities.
Through this, the people united with the different stakeholders continue to contribute on the restoration of damaged forests caused by of phenomenon like forests fire and climate change caused by man-made activities and natural disasters. By Kisha Joy I. Coyam-an
