In support to the Provincial Government of Bohol’s (PGBh) thrust to address the impacts of climate change, Vice Governor Rene Lopez Relampagos, together with the personnel of Vice Governor’s Office and the Provincial Library conducted a mangrove planting activity on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 at Riverside, Songculan, Dauis, Bohol.
More than 50 employees from the said offices assembled to participate in the activity and planted at least 20 mangrove propagules each employee, which is part of the effort of protecting and developing the environment, and at the same time to support the worldwide campaign of reducing the impact of climate change.
Based on the Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-004, otherwise known as “Instituting the Massive Growing of Trees and Non-Timber Species in the Province of Bohol”, all able-bodied citizens who are at least 10 years of age shall be required to plant and maintain at least ten (10) assorted seedlings every year, good for three (3) years.
In connection with this, the Memo-Circular No. 2021-009 dated October 25, 2021, was issued by Gov. Arthur Yap requiring all the employees of each department under the PGBh to conduct tree planting/growing activities within the month of Nov. 2021 in commemoration of the Andres Bonifacio Day on Nov. 30, 2021.
Accordingly, the Bohol Environment Management Office (BEMO), in collaboration with the Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD), Education Development Center (EDCenter), and the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), is taking the lead in the implementation of this activity.
Relampagos, in support of the activity, stressed that the direction of protecting, developing, and promoting the environment of Bohol is part of the vision of the province. He further stressed that it is touted as one of the best tools humanity has to combat climate change and other environmental crises is to plant trees.
It can be recalled that in August of this year, Relampagos led the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol in approving the partnerships of PGBh with a non-government organization, for the establishment of a Mangrove Nursery and Rehabilitation Project in the northern part of Bohol.
Meanwhile, the employees of the SP Secretariat Office and the Board Members and Legislative Division conducted their tree planting activity on the same day at the AGROFARM in the Municipality of Dimiao. Moreover, the tree/mangrove planting activities conducted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Officials and employees strictly observed health and safety protocol.
