The 2021 International Day of Forests (IDF) was simultaneously celebrated in Bicol through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) V and its Field Offices on March 21, 2021.
In Albay Province, some 200 Kamagong (Diospyros strigose) seedlings and 100 Kawayan Tinik (Bambusa blumeana) propagules were planted at Mt. Masaraga, Amtic, Ligao City. The planting was participated in by the officials and personnel of DENR V, Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO/CENRO) of Albay and Guinobatan, respectively, including the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Ligao.
In Camarines Sur, 500 Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Pili (Canarium ovatum) and Guyabano (Annona muricata) seedlings were planted by the PENRO Camarines Sur together with the LGU Naga along the waterways of Animas River at San Felipe, Naga City. The event was supported by participants from CENRO Iriga, Maogma Village Homeowners Association (MVHA), Rotary Club of Naga, Philippine National Police (PNP) with representatives from PNP City Mobile Force Company and PNP Traffic Enforcement Unit. Likewise, a tree planting activity was also spearheaded by the PENRO Camarines Norte where 200 pieces of assorted indigenous tree species were planted at Barangay Tuaca, Basud, Camarines Norte.
Meanwhile, 6 sacks of non-biodegradable wastes weighing approximately 40 kilograms were collected during the coastal cleanup activity lead by PENRO Catanduanes at Barangay Marilima, Virac, Catanduanes. 100 Narra seedlings were planted at Marilima Elementary School and was followed by the distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials about coastal and marine habitat protection and conservation, as well as proper disposal of facemask from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). The Virac Municipal Police Station, Philippine Army, LGU Virac, Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. Catanduanes Chapter, Barangay Officials and residents of the said barangay took part in the activities.
In Sorsogon, 100 assorted seedlings of Cacao (Theobroma cacao) and Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) were planted by the PENRO Sorsogon together with the LGU Gubat at Cabigaan, Gubat, Sorsogon. IEC materials were also distributed to the participants of the activity.
Further, PENRO Masbate together with the CENRO of Mobo celebrated the IDF through the conduct of Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) Campaign and planting of 200 Narra seedlings at Tugbo Watershed Forest Reserve (TWFR) at Tugbo, Masbate City. Likewise, CENRO San Jacinto together with the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) planted some 250 mangrove propagules at Bongsanglay Natural Park (BongNP) at Barangay Royroy, Batuan, Masbate.
The 2021 International Day of Forests with the theme, “Forest Restoration: a path to recovery and well-being” aims to create awareness on the importance of forest as it helps address climate change and biodiversity crisis issues. Through these celebrations and activities, the DENR Bicol headed by OIC, Regional Executive Director Atty. Antonio A. Abawag is seeking the public’s interest and engagement in the activities that will help in the conservation and protection of the environment and natural resources.