DAVAO CITY—A riverbank-reforestation project in the northern hinterland here was recognized as the best community-rainforestation initiative.
The reforestation project in the section of the Panigan-Tamugan River in the Talomo-Lipadas watershed in Baguio district was started and nurtured by a member of the barangay police.
The Interface Development Interventions (Idis) and the environmental organization Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) said they recognized the regreening project on the banks of the Tamugan River, led by barangay police Jessie Josue, “for having the most number of healthy native and fruit trees flourishing beside the river.”
“We thank Idis for organizing us to join this rainforestation project. We did not think we would be successful in this, particularly because at the beginning of this project, there were only a few of us who believed in this initiative,” the Idis quoted Josue as saying when he received the award recently.
The recognition was given during the two-year assessment of the project at the Pamulaan Center in the University of Southeastern Philippines, Mintal Campus.
The project was implemented by Idis and funded by the FPE in a program intended “to increase forest cover and area through the establishment of riverbank forests along the Panigan-Tamugan rivers in Baguio district.”
The two rivers would be tapped soon as the main source of the potable water for Davao City residents. The Idis said five barangays joined in the program. These were Tambobong, Tamugan, Gumalang, Wines and Tawantawan. The rainforestation program would allow only native dipterocarps and fruit trees to approximate the development of a primary growth tropical forest.
In Barangay Tambobong, 8 hectares of riverbanks along the Tamugan River were planted with anitap, malibago, balogo, bakan and balete trees.
Fruit trees, like guyabano, rambutan, lanzones and cacao, were also planted to provide additional income for the project partners.
Idis Executive Director Ann Fuertes said the efforts of the communities should be commended. “Despite the extreme and erratic conditions brought about by climate change, which destroyed a significant portion of the saplings, these communities persevered to ensure the survival of these native trees,” Fuertes said. For its winning efforts, Idis and FPE gave a sack of organically grown rice and additional livelihood assistance to the community participants in Barangay Tambobong.
“We are very proud of this project,” Josue said. “We may be few, like pieces of tingting [ribs of coconut leaves]. But when we came together, we became the walis tingting [broomstick], able to sweep large areas.”
“This rainforestation project may have come to an end, but we will look forward to continuing our regreening efforts. Because every native tree maturing to its potential, is another step to ensuring the green future of our watersheds,” he said.
Image credits: Idis photo