Capitol, Partners to Plant Over 35 Million Trees by 2020

The Cebu Provincial Government and its partners have pledged commitment to grow 35.2 million trees by year 2020 during the launching and ceremonial sign-up of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of the ‘Cebu Tree Growing Initiative’ held Tuesday, July 4, at the IEC Pavilion.

The Cebu Tree Growing Initiative aims to solidify the commitment of stakeholders in promoting a ‘greener and healthier’ environment for the province of Cebu.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III, in his speech, said that planting is not enough and that nurturing the tree until fully grown is very crucial and imperative.

“Sayun ra ang pananum pero ang pag nurture ug ang pagpabuhi niini hantud mudako ang kahoy maoy crucial ug labing importante,” Davide said during the MOU signing.

Under the MOU, Cebu Biodiversity Council, a technical working group with representatives from the government and private sectors, will coordinate the development, protection, enhancement and protection of flora and fauna in the province.

“The responsibility of preserving our environment is not left to one sector. Rather the responsibility is shared among all of us and it is the best gift for the future generation, a gift that keeps on living,” Davide added.

The launching was attended by representatives from Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), League of Municipalities in the Philippines – Cebu Chapter, Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas – Cebu Chapter, Department of Education Cebu Province Division, Archdiocese of Cebu, Therma Visayas Inc., Aboitiz Land Inc., Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources VII and the Department of Agriculture VII.

Capitol has already planted 3.9 million trees from 2011 to 2016 and commits to plant 3 million more by the year 2020.

cebu.gov.ph