CSC LAUNCHES TREE GROWING FOR A CAUSE IN BIÑAN CITY

AROUND 600 civil servants recently took part in the 2024 tree growing initiative launched by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) at the lakeshore in Bgy. Dela Paz in Biñan City, Laguna.

The tree-growing for a cause with the theme “Linggo ng Malasakit sa Kalikasan” held from Sept 15 to 21 coincided with the celebration of the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA).

The initiative aims to plant at least 10,000 trees while raising funds for the CSC’s Pamanang Lingkod Bayani(PLBi)Program, which supports the families of fallen civil servants.

Present in the tree planting activity were LLDA acting general manager Bernardo A. Santiago,  CSC chairperson Karlo B, Nograles, Binan City Mayor Walfredo “Arman “ Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Angelo “Gel” Alonte, members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod and employees from different sectors of government and non-government organizations.

Nograles and Dimaguila led the civil servants in planting the trees.

“Kaya po dito ginawa ang aktibidad na ito ay dahil Biñan is a local government unit worth of emulation. Pwedeng gayahin ng ibang LGU. Biñan  deserves all the praises of being  good public servants. Tuluy-tuloy pa sila sa paggawa ng magaganda at more ang cooperation nila,” Santiago said.

“Biñan ang napili as program site dahil very dynamic at very supportive ang Biñan, maraming initiatives, kahanga-hanga ang volunteerism and dedication ng civil servamts ng Biñan,” said Nograles.

According to the CSC chair, tree growing is an intergenerational responsibility to show care for the environment.

“It’s more than just tree planting but a commitment to sustainability to ensure our effort is long term,” he said.

Nograles said the tree growing will be launched in multiple sites in Region 4, including Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Boac in Marindque and Bongabon in Oriental Mindoro.

“In Tanay, we planted 3,000 trees at ito ay minomonitor namin effectively. Last year we have 15,000 seedlings, now additional 1,200 seedlings of narra, molave, catmon and fruit-bearing trees from Biñan,” Nograles said.

He commended every government worker who participated in the event.

“This is an actualization of our pledge sa Panunumpa ng Watawat ng Pilipinas. With renewed pride and vigor together let us make a difference for our environment,” he added.

Biñan Mayor Dimaguila said the challenge in tree planting is how to make sure that it will really grow.

“Sa tree planting, ang challenge ay sa tree growing, kung paano mapapalaki and mga puno, ilan ang mabubuhay at sino ang mag-aalaga. Pero kung walang magsisimula, sino ? Madali ang magtamim pero and magpatubo ang mahirap. Kailangan natin magtanim ng maraming puno” the mayor said.

He added that if the entire surroundings of the Laguna Lake will be planted with trees, the city and its nearby areas will experience less floodings.

“Imagine, kung ang buong paligid ng Laguna Lake ay maraming puno, baka konting dredge na lang sa lake para hindi tayo binabaha. Dimaguila said.

The tree growing for a cause was spearheaded by the CSC, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that aims to contribute to climate change mitigation through tree growing and to promote environmental stewardship, while also raising funds for the benefit of the families of fallen civil servants.

The CSC and the DENR partnered with the LLDA to plant seedlings along the 28 local government units surrounding Laguna de Bay.