Pines Colleges ‘adopts’ Balili River; plant 2,500 seedlings in nearby forest

BAGUIO CITY – Around 400 students and employees of Pines City Colleges planted 2, 500 pine seedlings along the Sagudin-Balili here yesterday on a seven hectare forest area which the school has “adopted” to plant and maintain for five years starting this year.

The area is bounded on the north by the botanical creek, the main water source of the Sagudin-Balili River.

According the environment experts, any positive development in the area is critical to providing clean, fresh water to the dying river.

The was event, organized by PCC extension coordinator Rowena T. Acacio and PCC NSTP coordinator Remedios J. Edades.

PCC participants were taught ring weeding, brushing, cultivation and other silvicultural practices by City Environment and Parks Management Office at the site.

“The Sagudin-Balili River is close to PCC, literally and figuratively,” Acacio said, “any change, positive or negative, that would happen to the river will directly affect the school. It is the basic role and responsibility of the school to try to return the dying river to its old glory.”

Pines City Colleges, located directly beside Sagudin-Balili River, is one of many establishments and residential areas that experience negative effects of the air and water pollution of the river and possible flooding caused by heavy rains and blocked sewage systems.

PCC representatives said they wanted to join local govenrments of Baguio and La Trinidad, Benguet in their advocacy to rehabilitate the river.

A memorandum of agreement was signed between the City Government of Baguio represented by Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan and city environment head Cordelia C. Lacsamana) with the PCC represented by Dr. Abigail T. Bersamin, academic dean and Ma. Regina S. Prats, assistant administrative director.

The adoption was highlighted during the PCC intramurals opening last August 5.