By: Cromwell S. Bonghanoy, MA
The City Government of Tagum and the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) by virtue of Resolution No. 835 series of 2009 signed a
memorandum of understanding that aims to reforest some 150 hectares of accretion areas along Hijo River, covering the barangays of Apokon, Magugpo East, Magdum and Pandapan.
To mainly protect Tagum’s riverbanks from soil denudation and erosion, deep-rooted trees were identified like Mahogany, Dao, Lauan, Nato, Narra, Bakan, Dita, Mayapis Bangkal and Mambog species to take hold of the soil from floods and water currents.
Eventually, more than its preventive measures, the identified accretion areas will serve as Riverbanks Park like of Marikina River and Pasig River in Manila. It will soon be constructed with footpaths, jogging lanes and bicycle lanes for family picnic and outing.
“Tagum City has taken a bold step in undertaking a massive rehabilitation of accretion areas to develop into a forest plantation, the only local government unit in the Philippines to do such so far,” said Bonifacio Apura, DENR XI regional technical director, who spoke in behalf of Regional Executive Director Jim Sampulna.
Mayor Rey Uy of Tagum gladly replied with a positive remark, “our living legacy to the future generation is to leave a landmark for children to enjoy nature and environment.”
Notably, Uy pushed for a forceful drive in developing Tagum as City of Parks with several parks already existing in the city’s premises.
The City Government of Tagum and the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) by virtue of Resolution No. 835 series of 2009 signed a
memorandum of understanding that aims to reforest some 150 hectares of accretion areas along Hijo River, covering the barangays of Apokon, Magugpo East, Magdum and Pandapan.To mainly protect Tagum’s riverbanks from soil denudation and erosion, deep-rooted trees were identified like Mahogany, Dao, Lauan, Nato, Narra, Bakan, Dita, Mayapis Bangkal and Mambog species to take hold of the soil from floods and water currents.
Eventually, more than its preventive measures, the identified accretion areas will serve as Riverbanks Park like of Marikina River and Pasig River in Manila. It will soon be constructed with footpaths, jogging lanes and bicycle lanes for family picnic and outing.
“Tagum City has taken a bold step in undertaking a massive rehabilitation of accretion areas to develop into a forest plantation, the only local government unit in the Philippines to do such so far,” said Bonifacio Apura, DENR XI regional technical director, who spoke in behalf of Regional Executive Director Jim Sampulna.
Mayor Rey Uy of Tagum gladly replied with a positive remark, “our living legacy to the future generation is to leave a landmark for children to enjoy nature and environment.”Notably, Uy pushed for a forceful drive in developing Tagum as City of Parks with several parks already existing in the city’s premises.
