Execs, bikers join fun-walk planting trees

By Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan and Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province –Officials and employees of the Bontoc local government, bikers and officials of Barangay Balili took part in tree-planting Sept. 2 here at Kaman-Utek, Barangay Balili.
    The activity, organized by the Bontoc LGU through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Office, in collaboration with the provincial government through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and LIWID Bikers was part of activities to commemorate the 115th Bontoc Foundation Day and 19th Am-among Festival. 
    Municipal government assistant department head Roger Agcapen of MENRO, said 540 pine, marang and mulberry seedlings were planted. 
    Christian Kadchao, from Barangay Samoki, donated 47 mulberry seedlings while 200 pine came from Am-ancho and the rest from PENRO.
    Agcapen added Balili officials committed to look after the seedlings as they grow. 
    The MENRO will check the trees every summer to ensure these are healthy and growing properly. 
In support of the promotion of a healthier ecosystem through the rehabilitation and re-greening of the environment, 43 bikers in Bontoc mostly from the LIWID Bikers supported the activity as they promote health and wellness through biking.
    Knittle Jane Lingbanan from the Municipal Planning and Development Office, a LIWID Bikers member said there were 32 male and 11 female in the group. 
    Two 9-year-old children, braved the rainy weather as they pedalled their way to Balili and joined the climb to Kaman-utek, each bringing seedlings to plant. 
    Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., extended his gratitude to everyone who joined the activity amidst bad weather.
    He expressed high hopes the activity will motivate Bontoc folks to care for the environment, like the province's lush mountains.
    “It is proper that we take the lead to campaign on how we can help save Mother Earth. This is our countermeasure of the climate change that we are experiencing today. What we have planted is not only for ourselves but for our children and our grandchildren,” Tudlong added. 
    Meanwhile, the Incident Management Team (IMT) members comprising the Law and Order and Emergency Medical Services were deployed during the said activity.