ZAMBOANGA CITY – Military officials led soldiers in planting bamboo trees in southern Philippines as part of their environmental and reforestation advocacy and urged citizens to also plant trees in their backyards.
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, led the soldiers in the planting activities in Zamboanga City recently. He said some 200 bamboo stems or culms were planted at Camp Don Basilio Navarro which coincided with the launching of the Bamboo Reforestation Project.
He said the planting of bamboos was also in line with the 79th Founding Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the national greening program and simultaneously conducted in all military camps in the country.
“Considering all the environmental benefits of bamboos, the BRP is a priority project of the AFP to mitigate the effects of climate change and contribute to disaster management,” Guerrero said. “We are urging everybody to also plant trees in their backyards and help protect the environment.”
In Zamboanga del Sur province, the 1st Infantry Division under Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, also planted The 200 pieces of Giant Bamboo seedlings which came all the way from a Bamboo nursery in Masuan town in Bukidnon province.
Capt. Frano Suelto, an army spokesman, said the seedlings were planted at their headquarters at Kuta Major Cesar Sang-an in Labangan town. It was also participated by army officials and soldiers.
“This Bamboo Reforestation Project is a modest contribution of Team Tabak in mitigating the effects of Climate Change and Global Warming. Bamboo is a very economical to plant because it requires less maintenance and in 3-5 years it can yield results. It can also be a source of livelihood because of its different uses. The Tabak Troopers joins our AFP in being Green Warriors and it only shows that the soldiers are also concern with environmental protection and conservation,” Barrientos said.
He also encouraged the public to support the government greening and reforestation program by planting trees or flowers, and even vegetable gardens. “Trees not only clean the air, but is also our protection against storm, while flowers beautify our surrounding and the vegetable gardens can sustain our daily needs and the vegetables keep us healthy,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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