To promote the cause of mitigating climate change, 70 volunteers from ASEZ WAO joined hands in a tree planting activity within the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve in Norzagaray, Bulacan, last June 11.
ASEZ WAO is an international volunteer group of young workers who are members of the World Mission Society Church of God. The organization is known for its campaign for Earth—one of the projects in particular are the activities towards climate change responses.
The tree planting activity held in the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve is under the “Mother’s Forest” project. Mother’s forest is a project initiated by the young workers of the Church of God, with the goal to plant 7 billion trees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Currently, ASEZ WAO’s tree planting activities are in effect in 14 countries, joined by a total of 2,509 participants with 6,839 trees planted as of writing.
Adhering to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to advocate for climate action and fostering sustainable cities, members of the ASEZ WAO, with the support of local government units and several environment-centered agencies, carried out the tree planting activity from 7 am to 8:30 am.
The tree planting activity held in the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve was attended by two officers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office; eight representatives from Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO); six members from the Briquettors Association of the Philippines, Inc. (BAPI); and 10 police officers from Norzagaray Municipal Police Station. This ensured the smooth running of the program and secured the safety of all participants.
Around 70 participants gathered in the morning to plant 200 cocoa saplings within the vicinity. Prior to the event, Nancy Escosio, Assistant to the Chairman of BAPI, demonstrated the process of planting the sapling to ensure its survival.
According to Dexter Villa, Development Management Officer II of DENR Central Office, tree planting initiatives like this helps the forest to replenish, and protects the rich biodiversity within the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve.
Villa furthermore explains that tree planting not just helps the nearby communities, but also the country even for the future generations. “If you want to leave a legacy, plant a tree,” he added.
Moreover, Villa emphasizes the importance of planting trees during the early days of the rainy season. The tree planting activity held by the ASEZ WAO also coincides with the Philippine Environment Month, which is held annually during the month of June. This activity further promotes encouragement towards climate action and raising of environmental awareness.
Meanwhile, for Escosio, the short amount of time that the volunteers exerted for the tree planting activity was more than enough. Not only does it help the environment, but it also supports the livelihood of the indigenous people residing in the area.
Prior to the tree planting activity, indigenous people of Dumagat tribe assisted in preparing the site where the saplings will be planted. Additionally, Escosio mentioned that growing the sapling and preparing the site before the event proper helps the community to be compensated for their hardwork. The cocoa that can be harvested from the tree after three years can also be utilized by the community to generate livelihood.
Despite the benefits brought by the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve, threats of forest degradation remain to be a prevalent issue. Jhun Tresor, Officer-in-Charge of PENRO Tabang in Guiguinto, Bulacan, claims that trees are sporadic in some parts of the forest reserve.
Due to this, efforts on active tree planting is regarded as a big help, considering that this activity also aligns with the goals of the National Greening Program in the Philippines.
According to Gaspar Hilarion Calumba II, Head of ASEZ WAO Mandaluyong Branch, tree planting activities spearheaded by the organization are carried out in hopes to improve green spaces within the community. Calumba asserts that this activity serves as a way to embrace the world with Mother’s love.
Ultimately, the members of the ASEZ WAO expressed their willingness to initiate another activity in the future. Recently, the same group of volunteers also conducted a clean up drive in Barangay Pinagkaisahan in Makati City, making the tree planting activity their second volunteer service during the week.
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