MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (February 4) — With island communities increasingly exposed to flooding, riverbank erosion, and climate-driven extreme weather, the local government of Mambajao has launched Project Evergreen, a long-term reforestation initiative aimed at strengthening the town’s natural defenses.
The program targets the planting of at least 1,000 trees every month, beginning with a three-day tree-planting activity from January 28 to 30 along the riverbanks of Sitio Quipasa in Barangay Poblacion—an area identified by local officials as vulnerable to erosion during heavy rains.
Led by Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo and Lawyer Nicole Beatrice Romualdo, Project Evergreen is designed to move beyond ceremonial tree-planting toward sustained environmental protection and climate resilience.
“Dili lang ni tanom-tanom lang,” Romualdo said. “Naa’y klarong follow-up ug pag-atiman aron masiguro nga ang matag kahoy nga atong gitamnan mutubo ug mahimong dako—usa ka tinud-anay nga investment para sa atong kaugmaon.”
(This is not just about planting trees. There is clear follow-up and proper care to ensure that every tree planted grows and matures—a genuine investment for our future.)
Island communities face mounting risks
Camiguin, like many small island provinces in Mindanao, faces increasing climate pressures. Intense rainfall events have heightened the risk of river overflow and flash flooding, while deforested or degraded slopes and riverbanks have become more susceptible to soil erosion.
Local officials said restoring vegetation along waterways is critical to slowing water flow, stabilizing soil, and reducing the impact of floods on downstream communities—particularly in low-lying barangays.
Strategic site selection
The initial planting site in Sitio Quipasa was selected in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Camiguin Field Office, ensuring that the species planted and the location matched the area’s ecological needs.
Officials said careful site selection addresses a common criticism of past tree-planting efforts, where seedlings failed to survive due to poor planning or lack of aftercare.
Community-wide participation
Around 1,000 volunteers from the public and private sectors joined the kickoff activity, including barangay officials and workers, Sangguniang Bayan members, department heads, uniformed personnel, civil society groups, and partner stakeholders.
Preparatory activities, such as digging planting holes and site preparation, were completed ahead of time to protect seedlings and improve survival rates.
Monitoring for climate impact
The local government and DENR will jointly monitor seedling growth and survival as part of Project Evergreen’s commitment to long-term impact.
Beyond tree planting, the initiative includes complementary environmental activities such as bird watching, highway greening and maintenance, and other conservation projects, aimed at strengthening biodiversity while promoting environmental awareness.
Sustained action, not one-off events
Mayor Romualdo said the town is already preparing for the next monthly planting, calling on residents to remain engaged.
“Excited na kaayo mi para sa sunod bulan nga tree planting,” he said. “Padayon ta kay kung maghiusa ta karon, mas hayag ang kaugmaon sa atong mga anak ug sa sunod pang henerasyon.”
(We are very excited for next month’s tree planting. Let’s keep going because if we unite now, the future will be brighter for our children and the next generation.)
Local officials said Project Evergreen reflects the town’s recognition that nature-based solutions—such as reforestation and watershed protection—are essential tools in safeguarding island communities from the growing impacts of climate change.
