LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A greener Pangasinan is expected as the Provincial Government of Pangasinan aims to plant one million trees in three years under the ‘Pangasinan Green Canopy Project.
Launched by Governor Ramon V. Guico III in 2023 as its flagship environmental rehabilitation project, the Pangasinan Green Canopy project is a multi-sectoral approach to promote co-ownership in protecting and caring for the environment, raise community awareness and education in planting and saving trees, mobilize stakeholders, and solicit community participation.
The “joint stewardship” strategy is implemented where the departments and offices under the provincial government partner with specific local government units (LGUs) for tree planting activities throughout the province.
Based on the report prepared by the Provincial Population, Cooperative, and Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO), headed by Ellsworth Gonzales, a total of 98 tree-planting activities were conducted in 36 LGUs in the province, bringing to a total of 149,964 assorted fruit-bearing seedlings planted in partnership with various towns and cities and other stakeholders.
As stated in the report, the 1st Congressional District posted the highest number of seedlings planted, with 59,994 or 40% of total seedlings planted. This is followed by the 2nd District with 42,734, which translates to 29%.
Furthermore, the PPCLDO disclosed that about 48%, or 75,210 seedlings planted, were mangroves. LGU Bolinao posted the highest number of mangroves planted, with 16,500.
LGU Mangatarem, on the other hand, has conducted the most number of tree planting activities, 12 of which were initiated by the Provincial Veterinary Office located in Malabobo, Mangatarem.
In the fruit-bearing seedlings, it was reported that LGU San Quintin has recorded the highest number of assorted seedlings planted, which totaled 18,507. Of this, a total of 6,650 narra trees were also planted in the upland areas of Districts 1, 5, and 6. Other seedlings planted include tamarind (sampalok), atis, coffee, jackfruit (langka), avocado, coconut, and bamboo, among others.
The 36 LGUs that already conducted their tree planting activities last year were as follows: Burgos, Dasol, Alaminos City, Bolinao, Mabini, Agno, Sual, Infanta, Bani, Anda, Mangatarem, Basista, Labrador, Aguilar, Bugallon, Lingayen, Binmaley, Malasiqui, Manaoag, San Jacinto, San Fabian, Laoac, Binalonan, Villasis, Pozorrubio, Alcala, San Quintin, Rosales, Asingan, Sta. Maria, Natividad, and Dagupan City.
Recently, massive tree-planting activities have been conducted in the western towns of Dasol, Burgos, Infanta, and Bolinao by the province in partnership with different provincial offices, line agencies, LGUs, and public schools.
Periodic visitation is conducted by the PPCLDO as part of its monitoring.
(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)
