Camarines Sur plants a million trees in an hour

 

       Part of one million mangrove plants planted in a span of one hour in Pili, Camarines 

       Sur

PILI, Camarines Sur: Determined to surpass its own record capped during the successful launching of El Verde Movement last year, Camarines Sur set another being the first local government unit to plant a million mangroves in a span of one hour in an unprecedented tree planting stint participated in by more than 7,000 stakeholders.

The result was officially announced by Seyda Subasi Gemici at the press conference held recently at Villa Del Rey, Capitol Compound here hours after the historic mass planting of mangrove propagules in the coastline of Barangay San Rafael, Ragay, Camarines Sur. 

Per official count, a total of 1,009,029 mangroves were simultaneously planted in a 60ha planting site.  

This, according to Gemici is more than enough considering that only 10,000 mangrove are needed to open a new category. Instead of thousands, Camarines Sur produced over a million, way beyond the minimum standard set by Guinness. 

Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte, who was obviously elated with another world record, said that it would probably take more years before any municipality can replicate or surpass the history of this activity. 

 “We are in full support of President Benigno Aquino’s program for the environment, particularly the National Greening Program which aims to fill our lands with trees to help combat the ill effects of climate change. 

“We envision to transform Camarines Sur into the Green Capital of Asia.”  

Mangrove, aside from its big contribution in balancing our ecosystem, also provides breeding, nursery, and feeding areas for many varieties of life that find solace under the sturdy roots of mangroves.  

It also helps in combating erosion since it also filters upland run off. They also serve as seawalls and provide protection to the costal residents in times of water surge. 

Villafuerte also said that the massive planting was also a tribute to all women in line with the celebration of the International Women’s day.  

Under the theme, “Million Mangroves for Women, Environment and the Future,” the activity endeavors to give recognition to the significant contribution of women in nurturing the environment. 

To date, more or less 5.3 million new trees had been planted in various parts of the province, particularly in its coastal and barangay outskirts. 

This is already close to the targeted 12 million trees which the province aims to achieve.

Gov Villafuerte aims to hit the mark before the end of 2012.  – PIA Camarines Sur

 

        The El  Verde Movement in Camarines Sur that aims to plant more trees around the   
        province.