Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region VI personnel and Negros Island Region farmers planted trees at the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) Legacy Park 3 in coordination with the CPSU Natural Resources and Environmental Management Services (NREMS).
Eight (8) DAR – Negros Occidental employees and twenty (20) farmers from Barangay Ayungon, Valladolid, Negros Occidental, planted native tree species, participating in the reforestation efforts of the university as a part of DAR’s Farm Business School program.
“We were actually talking about how timely this tree planting activity is because we have a tree planting activity scheduled before today’s but some of us will not be able to attend. We’re delighted that the entire team experienced this event,” answered Ms. Hannah Gustino, DAR VI Senior Agrarian Reform Officer, and added, “We cannot disregard the effects brought by climate change, as there are abnormalities in the short-term and long-term meteorological conditions that we experience. It is desirable that more will be encouraged to engage in reforestation efforts as our contribution in addressing these pressing environmental concerns.”
Held last September 20, NREMS Director, Mr. Gregorio D. Predo, facilitated the activity with Gender and Development Program Director, Mrs. Shirley A. Calugcugan, who hosted the succeeding short program.
“For us farmers, planting trees is very important to support the environment and to protect our watersheds, ensuring the availability of water for our farmlands. I believe that the activity is very successful due to the DAR personnel and CPSU officials’ support for us farmers,” said Fernando Oberio, Chairman of the Ayungon Farmers and Livestock Association, in an interview, where he also expressed his gratitude for CPSU for the successful benchmarking activity.
The group was also toured by the university officials in CPSU’s project sites and was introduced to the best agricultural and entrepreneurial practices and technologies designed by the university to encourage local and partner farmers to imitate in their homes.
“As the NREMS director, I am grateful to the agencies who are reaching out to us, especially to bodies that are involved in environmental protection. I am also extending my gratitude to the university administration, which supports the office's advocacy and its pursuit among stakeholders. I believe we share the same sentiments and perceive the importance of taking care of the environment... I am inviting other agencies and institutions who would like to be a part of our advocacy to join our reforestation efforts to protect and conserve our natural resources,” said Director Predo.
University President, Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, also interacted with the group, delivering an inspirational message to the farmers and sharing the university's commitment to improving the lives of the poor by extending the leading technologies that it generates to create a real impact in the community.
