STA. CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR – A total of 2,000 seedlings of mahogany and narra varieties were planted along the river bank of Sibulan River in Barangay Darong, here, during the Pista sa Kinaiyahan celebration on April 29, 2016. It was part of the local government unit’s effort to reforest more areas in Sta. Cruz in response to the National Greening Program of the national government. The activity was also highlighted with a Signing of Manifesto of Commitment by all stakeholders present, renewing their pledge to be part of environmental conservation. After which, a budols lunch was served.
The tree-growing which had the call to action to replant, renew and reforest; was participated by more or less 200 volunteers from various sectors such as LGU officials and employees, mountaineers, rescue groups, Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection personnel. The event was also participated by the Visit Davao Fun Sale through its Executive Chairperson Benjie Lizada.
Private sector, as usual, were a major contributor of the activity such as the HEDCOR – Aboitiz Power, San Miguel Brewery, Inc. (SMB) Seaoil and Darong Agricultural Development Corporation. HEDCOR led in the land preparation phase while also providing 75% of the planting materials. Seaoil also gave 500 pieces of mahogany seedlings. Furthermore, HEDCOR committed to take care of the newly-planted trees so that higher percentage of survival will be attained. SMB, for their part, pledged to give full support to the activity being a major business locator in Sta. Cruz. These private companies have already been supporting ever since the LGU conceptualized the Pista sa Kinaiyahan in 2001.
Mayor Joel Ray Lopez commended all volunteers for always supporting the initiative of the LGU in terms of environmental conservation, protection and rehabilitation. He said that all of us has a full responsibility being stewards of the environment. The mayor is hopeful that initiatives like Pista sa Kinaiyahan should continue and be sustained in the future.
Earlier, Sangguniang Bayan member and chairperson on Environment Committee Fernando Ugdoracion said that it is very timely for Sta. Cruz to do the activity considering the forest fire that happened in Mt. Apo last March 26. “With the incident, we have cancelled the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge, Vertical and Sky Race and Duaw kay Apo Climb. However, we need to do this tree-growing as a step towards environmental rehabilitation.” He added that there will be more rehabilitation efforts to be undertaken in the future.
Pista sa Kinaiyahan is an annual activity of LGU Sta. Cruz to continue its advocacy to protect and preserve the environment especially since it occupies a huge portion of the Mt. Apo Natural Park. Aside from being a conservation effort, Pista sa Kinaiyahan is also a major tourism activity of the region showcasing eco-adventure activities.