By Anthony A. Araos
Recognizing that tree-planting activities are limited as Ifugao deals with illegal tree-cutting schemes, the provincial government is constrained in the rollout and implementation of the re-greening program in recent years.
Nonetheless, the rollout of tree-planting projects is expected to bounce back with Board Member Peter Bunnag at the forefront and by 2027 he is expected to be a major player of this cause. The government will thus continue to closely monitor progress and make necessary adjustments on a regular basis or as necessary.
Notice how many times when you join a tree-planting activity and everything seems to fall into place. What’s with that big deal?
It may be that the historic moment is right for such action, for a leap to a new strategy in the coming years amidst these uncertain times. A public-private partnership surely could make it happen. The direction in this part of the province is crystal clear. The starting point: Barangay Caragasan in Alfonso Lista town.
The tree-planting activity brought together barangay council officials (led by Punong Barangay Romeo Attub), private sector partners and community stakeholders in a collective effort to promote environment protection.
“Encourage many others to plant more trees. I hope that the benefits of this activity and fruits of these trees will be enjoyed by generations to come,” Bunnag said.
“Tree planting activities as this one are helpful in protecting our forests and watersheds while supporting the conservation of the province’s rich biodiversity,” he added.
The centrality of the wisdom of pursuing environmental protection cannot be emphasized too strongly. We do know of the consequences of ecological violence.
Taking part in the activity despite winding up a long foreign trip is another way of expressing the truth that Board Member Bunnag is so concerned with the environment.
Bunnag asked the participants: “Shall I just rest and ignore this problem? Will you join in this crusade?” All the people responded affirmative. “I can do nothing without your support,” he admitted.
Honestly, the environmental problem are mounting and can be devastating when repercussions become overwhelming. As a pro-active lawmaker, Bunnag invest wholeheartedly in his goals. At the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Bunnag chairs the committee on environment and natural resources.
What Bunnag is saying is not to be understood as no more than the useful reminder applicable here and this time only. He is doing this for the interest of protecting incoming generations.
He provides wonderful deliverance to the people. He held them safe above their heads.
Bunnag gave Ifugao folks the blueprint. Now mayors, vice mayors, councilors, barangay and SK officials (across the towns of Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Banaue and Mayoyao in the province’s second district) must answer a rather simple query. If he can protect these four towns, why can’t you protect your own?
Act on this matter and engage with individuals who are knowledgeable with concerns on climate change. The climate change problem is here and must be addressed head on. One must be knowledgeable to overcome it. Climate change- induced mobility is very important issue to tackle in rural areas such as Alfonso Lista.
Whether the goal is to prevent soil erosion, improve air quality or mitigate the efforts of climate change, every tree-planting activity takes into account the dreams of folks for a brighter and safer future. Such dreams are timely reminders of Board Member Bunnag’s care and attention.**
