LAMITAN – In an organized tree planting activity, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Kabalikat civic community group came together to plant one thousand Mahogany trees. The event took place on June 20 in two barangays: Brgy Bulingan and Brgy Lo-ok.
The goal of the initiative was to replenish the trees that have been damaged or lost due to landslides and to prepare for future weather events that could cause flooding and landslides. The planting of trees is expected to help prevent further devastation to the residents living in the low-lying areas of Lamitan City.
According to PCpt Kiefer Dean Beray, the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Regional Mobile Force in Basilan, and Mr. Garry Puyawan, the President of Kabalikat civicom, it is necessary to take care of and value nature in order to mitigate the impact of disasters such as typhoons and floods, which can cause significant damage.
Puyawan added that it is important to start replanting the fallen and uprooted trees now to prevent severe consequences for future generations. This way, the youth can understand the importance of caring for and preserving nature, which they can pass on to their own children in the years to come.
The local government unit of Lamitan and the officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources expressed their deep gratitude to the group for their significant contribution to the rehabilitation of the environment. – Brielle Go