Tree growing festival held in Koronadal City

KORONADAL City– More than 20,000 seedlings were planted by about 14,000 individuals who participated in the 5th Tree Growing Festival here Monday.

Most of those who participated in the activity were students and government workers in the city, according to Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel.

Miguel said he really appreciated the determination of the volunteers who walked for kilometers, crossed rivers and climb hills to plant a tree for the generation to come.

The recent flash floods that hit the city, damaged roads, destroyed bridges and inundated low lying areas served as an inspiration for all to actively join in the tree planting activity, he said.

Among those who participated in the event was Nenita Militar, who at 60, shared her time and planted two seedlings.

“I volunteered despite my age because I know this is for all of us, the next generation will benefit this project,” she said in the vernacular.

Miguel said the volunteers also vowed to continue joining efforts to protect the environment.

“I appeal to everyone to help monitor the trees we just planted to ensure these are nurtured and fully grow,” Miguel said.

Michael Astorias, who operates a variety store, said she did not join the tree planting activity as she was tending to her business.

“But I planted trees in our backyard and will continue to do so even no tree growing festival,” Astorias told reporters.

Malacanang has declared June 29 as special non working holiday in Koronadal City to allow government and private employees to join the event, now on its fifth year.

Miguel said the city has organized a team of monitors who will visit the plant site to check whether the trees have grown or not.

Two bridges were destroyed, roads were damaged and at least five low lying villages have been inundated after an overnight light to moderate downpour on June 25.

The effects of flash floods motivated the residents to join the tree growing, Miguel said. pna