Institute of Environmental Governance holds clean-up, tree nurture activities
Posted on by Maricon C. Viduya

In support to the National Environmental Awareness Month and as post celebration of National Consumers Month, DMMMSU Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office 1 and the Local Government Unit of Bacnotan, La Union conducted clean-up and tree nurture activities along the Baroro River on November 9, 2021.

The participants planted a total of 133 saging-saging (Aegiceras floridum) propagules and six (6) talisay trees along the Baroro Riverbank. This Beach Forest Development Project of DMMMSU, Tanggol Kalikasan, and Bacnotan LGU aims at increasing and diversifying green spaces along the Baroro River and beachfronts.

Meanwhile, during the clean-up activity, about 32 kgs. of trash composed of plastics, glass bottles, rubber slippers, and textiles were collected along the site.

Further, in support of the solid management program of Baroro, DTI RO1 headed by Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan, turned-over tools and cleaning materials (shovel, wheelbarrow, rake, broomsticks and digging bar) to Baroro Punong Barangay, Randy Macabitas.

During the turn-over ceremony, RD Baluyen challenged the participants in “greening our choices,” which means that consumers should be environmentally conscious and responsible in purchasing goods and services for our common home. Also, Dr. Divina Gracia Apigo, Municipal Agriculturist of Bacnotan expressed the commitment of Bacnotan LGU in engaging various stakeholders in its climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives. Furthermore, PB Macabitas stressed their unwavering support in protecting the waters of Baroro – the primary the source of livelihood of the fisherfolk community.

The Beach Forest Development Project is part of the Environmental Justice Sector Reform in the Philippines Project (ESJRP) funded by US Department of State – Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and US Department of Interior – International Technical Assistance Program (US DOI ITAP). (Celso H. Jucutan)