SURIGAO CITY — The City Government of Surigao, through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), led a city-wide Arbor Day tree planting activity on October 5 at Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-i, bringing together government offices, partner organizations, and local volunteers in a collective effort to restore and protect the city's forest cover. A total of 2,000 seedlings of native tree species, including Bato-Bato and Sagimsim, were planted in the watershed area, which has been the focus of ongoing rehabilitation efforts in recent months.
A Unified Effort for Forest Restoration
The activity, led by City ENR Officer Engr. Jose Alfonso A. Casurra, carried the theme "Nurturing Our Forests for a Sustainable Tomorrow." Participants included personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Greenstone Resources Corporation and its partner companies, DENR sector offices, PENRO and CENRO, the Surigao del Norte Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (SEDMFI), and various City Government offices, alongside local volunteers. Their collective presence underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring the long-term health of the city's watersheds.
Why Native Species and Arbor Day Matter
Arbor Day is observed annually in the Philippines under Republic Act No. 10176, or the Philippine Arbor Day Act of 2012, to encourage tree-planting and tree-growing activities nationwide and promote citizen participation in environmental conservation. The choice of native species such as Bato-Bato and Sagimsim is significant—these trees are well-adapted to local conditions and support biodiversity, unlike fast-growing exotic species that can disrupt ecosystems. By planting native trees, Surigao City is not only restoring forest cover but also strengthening the resilience of its watershed, which plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion, mitigating flood risks, and providing clean water for surrounding communities.
A Commitment to a Greener, More Resilient City
Beyond planting trees, the initiative reflects the City Government's broader commitment to environmental stewardship and disaster resilience. Healthy forests act as natural barriers against landslides and floods, making reforestation a critical component of the city's climate adaptation strategy. Through continued collaboration with government agencies, the private sector, and local communities, Surigao City is building a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for present and future generations. Together, let us nurture our forests today for a sustainable tomorrow.
