THE Province of Misamis Oriental aims to plant one million bamboo plants over the next five years, according to Engr. Rene Guingguing, Head of the Provincial Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Plenro).
The initiative, spearheaded by Gov. Peter M. Unabia as part of his poverty alleviation program, began in Barangay Samay in Balingasag Town, where 50,000 bamboo plants were recently planted.
Guingguing said that the program involves beneficiaries planting 200,000 bamboos annually.
Forester Liza Requina, Community Environmental and Natural Resources Officer (Cenro) based in Gingoog City, urged farmers to plant bamboo during the rainy season to prepare for the upcoming La Niña, expected in September.
Requina pointed out that planting bamboo along riverbanks and slopes can prevent landslides caused by prolonged rains.
Requina also stressed the dual benefits of bamboo planting, noting its potential as a sustainable alternative to wood for building materials and its role in providing livelihoods.
She recommended planting 30 bamboo plants or 50 trees for every tree cut and called on chainsaw operators to obtain legal permits from the DENR Gingoog office.
