Philippine Army to establish a Bayanihan Eco Park in Donsol by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, AUGUST 23 (PIA) -- Twelve entities have pledged support and commitment to the 903rd Infantry Brigade Philippine Army's initiative to establish a Bayahihan Eco Park at Sitio Magaragad, Barangay Sibago in Donsol. town

In a phone conversation this afternoon, Col. Felix J. Castro Jr. Inf (GSC) Commanding Officer of the 903rd IB PA, said that the tree planting activities to be conducted today is in keeping with President Aquino's National Greening Program (NGP) and an integrated approach to implement the ridge to reef complementary greening activity here in the province for a sustainable coastal resource management.

"This eco park will also serve as a buffer zone in case of typhoons and sea level rise as the PA will also provide soft engineering measures to mitigate negative effects brought about by climate change" he said.

'"It is named Bayanihan Eco Park since the establishment of this park is done through the spirit of "bayanihan", a Filipino culture that the PA would like to bring back to the communities", he explained.

A total of one thousand mangrove propagules will be planted by participants comprising of the Philippine Army, PADABAKA, the local government of Donsol, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office , Provincial Tourism Council Office , Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Information Agency, World Wildlife Fund,World Vision, media community and other environmental organizations.

"Donsol as a prime ecotourism destination should be provided sound environmental initiatives especially in the development and conservation of its coastal areas as the famous whale shark is found here" according to Castro.

"With the presence of the PA here , we are initiating peace and developmental initiatives especially in assisting the municipalities of Pilar, Donsol and Castilla in programs that will promote tourism, disaster risk reduction management, engineering assistance through the building of schools and now in spearheading the national government's call to plant trees as part of the NGP" Castro explained.

The activity will start with a short program, with messages of support from heads of agencies and a pledge of commitment through a streamer signing followed by the blessings of seedlings for planting.

After the tree planting, the participants will be welcomed to the usual military treat of boodle fight. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)