The Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 11 trekked to the mountains of Calinan district, Davao City last July 8 to conduct a tree-planting activity as part of the National Greening Program or NGP.
The team was led by TOG-11 chief Lt. Colonel Jesulito Dalumpines with contingents from Air Force reservists, ROTC cadets, Department of Environment and Natural Resources personnel. Members of the Maniniyot Community, a local photography group, also joined the activity. Some 500 seedlings of rubber and cacao trees were planted in the area.
The site is a community based forest nanagement (CBFM) area in Barangay Lamayan, Calinan district located on a mountain top about 600 meters above sea level.
“With these trees we hope to bring development to the area, more livelihood opportunities for the community.” said Dalumpines, adding that tree-planting is also part of the new Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) of the Armed Forces.
Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ IPSP, the Armed Forces is focusing on winning the peace by promoting peace and development efforts in the countryside.
The NGP on the other hand seeks to integrate and harmonize all greening initiatives of the government, civil society and the private sector with the end in view of addressing poverty, food security and climate change. It is one of President Benigno Aquino’s priority programs for the environment. [PIA 11/RG Alama]
