BACOLOD City – The 10 Million Trees in 10 Years (or simply 10M in 10) for a Greener Negros Movement on Thursday reported an 85-percent survival rate of the millions of indigenous trees it has planted on the island.
This was a positive development considering that in the past four years, 10M in 10 partners have planted around 7.7-million trees in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental way ahead of schedule, said Frances Ariola, public relations specialist of geothermal power leader Energy Development Corporation (EDC).
The EDC initiated the greening movement in 2015, partnering with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, other government agencies, non-government organizations and private institutions to embark on a massive forest restoration by planting native trees, she added.
To mark their fourth year anniversary, the movement honored partners whose contributions have allowed the greening project to reach almost eight-million native trees planted in less than half the number of years targeted to attain its goal.
The Project Management Office of 10M in 10 said a ceremonial planting of a Katmon tree was held at the Provincial Capitol grounds here.
“The partners’ commitment and continuous tree-growing efforts are the reason behind the Movement’s deeper roots. Our shared re-greening experiences within the past four years, along with the increasing amount of groups and individuals who express their interest to be part of 10M in 10 only reflect that the idea of uniting for a greener Negros has taken root within each of us,” said Pinky Medina, head of the 10M in 10 Project Management.
Around 100 partners attended the celebration, representing various stakeholder groups such as government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, businesses, media, non-government organizations, and other concerned groups and individuals.
Professor Marlo Mendoza and Professor Pastor Malabrigo Jr. from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños have graced the event.
The highlight of the celebration was the recognition of the 10M in 10 partners, who planted over 10,000 trees this year as their contribution towards achieving the movement’s three main goals: to help protect and restore the watersheds, improve biodiversity and build resilient communities in Negros Island.
Certificates were also granted to partners who were able to maintain at least an 85-percent survival rate of their planted trees.
The 10M in 10 is a private sector-led movement that aims to unite, inspire and encourage people to plant, grow and protect 10-million trees in 10 years to re-green the Negros Island, according to its Project Management Office.(With a report from PNA/PN)
