by Lorie Ann A. Cascaro
In 2004, the Garden Oases Resort and Convention Center on Porras Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City, set aside two-hectare site for reforestation at the Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed area at the Mt. Apo Nature Park.
From January to December 2009, 1,388 seedlings were planted there consisting of 278 grafted fruit trees like durian and lanzones, along with 1,110 forest trees like narra and mahogany. Of the total planted, 1,328 seedlings survived.
In April of this year, about 30 personnel from Garden Oases, including the managing director, finance officer, maintenance and engineering staff and crews of the restaurant and hotel, visited the site to plant 50 more seedlings.
Caretakers of the watershed, who actually reside nearby, protect and nurture the growing trees. They are allowed to harvest the fruits and plant intercrops as their form of livelihood.
Maribel Rivera, restaurant manager of Garden Oases, said the company has always been taking part in eco-friendly initiatives like tree planting. Also, they had been annually supporting coastal clean-up activities of environmentalist organizations in the city by providing meals and drinks.
For the past two years, Garden Oases supported the Earth Hour, a nationwide simultaneous power shut-off in support of the call for energy conservation and protection of the environment. From 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening on March 27, Garden Oases switched off everything that consumed power in the vicinity.
Rivera also noted that they abide with the smoke-free Davao city campaign, posting “no smoking” signs and reminders at strategic spots within the area. She added that management has plans for the near future involving its contribution to the advocacy of a green environment.
