TROOPS from the 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion (79IB) and the Youth for Peace Movement-Northern Negros Chapter (YFPM-NNC) participated in a tree-planting/tree-growing activity in Sitio Baliguan, Barangay Patag, Silay City Saturday, February 6, 2021.
The activity was in line with the Environmental Consciousness Week celebration by the City of Silay, which was spearheaded by the Eco-vengers, a group of environmental enthusiasts headed by Kenneth Lacson, 79IB said in a press statement.
It aimed to conserve forest resources and address environmental degradation while engaging the youth and other stakeholders in community service through the spirit of volunteerism.
The activity was joined by over 300 participants coming from the local government unit of Silay City headed by Silay City Mayor Mark Andrew Arthur Golez and other city and barangay officials.
A total of 1,000 non-fruit bearing trees composed of 700 Lawaan, 200 Narra and 100 Nató seedlings were successfully planted in the watershed area.
"It's about time that we give back to our environment by planting and growing trees. Remember, the forest can survive without man, but man cannot survive without the forest," Golez said as he lauded the efforts of the Eco-vengers and the rest of the team for initiating such activity and assured them of his continued support towards such endeavor.
Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Alvaran, commanding officer of 79IB, said, "it is an honor for us to be part of this noble undertaking. The army's commitment to nation-building is not only focused on giving security to the community, but also includes advocating environmental protection."
"Together, we can make a better world that will surely benefit the next generations," Alvaran added.
