DAVAO DEL NORTE – In a collaborative effort involving members of the Ata-Manobo tribe, local government officials, DENR representatives, police, military personnel, and various sectors, a tree planting ceremony was held along the banks of the Libuganon River in Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.
The ritual, which began at 7:00 AM, was conducted by tribal leaders and included offerings such as wine, eggs, and a white chicken as a tribute to nature’s spirits, creating a spiritual ambiance for the activity.
After the ritual, Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol led the group, which included DENR and PENRO officials, barangay officials from Gupitan, representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), local cooperatives, police officers, and soldiers, in planting various tree species along the Libuganon River.
Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan, is located along the Libuganon River, a crucial part of the ecosystem in the area.
Around 500 tree saplings were planted during the ceremony, with plans to plant an additional 3,600 trees of various species in the same location. The goal is to protect the environment, particularly the land along the Libuganon River, to prevent erosion and promote a sustainable ecosystem.
Mayor Timbol shared that 500,000 pesos were allocated for the program, with support from various agencies, including DENR, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and the German government through the GIZ.
The tree planting initiative in Sitio Patil is part of an ecosystem-based adaptation program under the Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resources (DENR). Its purpose is to ensure the growth and development of the newly planted trees.
Ten local residents have been hired to maintain the planted trees. The owner of the land where the planting took place is part of the program, ensuring proper care for the saplings.
Sitio Patil, in Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, is one of the most remote areas in Kapalong, accessible only after an hours-long journey from the town center. Approximately 90 percent of its residents belong to the Ata-Manobo tribe.
