Run 2 Plant draws thousands

THE Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines gathered more than 20,000 participants from the 48 towns and cities in Cebu who planted 100,000 native tree seedlings in their respective areas last June 25, the organizer said.

The towns and cities simultaneously conducted the Run 2 Plant in their localities, with the central event held in Jaclupan, Talisay City.

Tuburan town in northeast Cebu, the largest contributor, required all of its 54 barangays to plant 1,716 seedlings in a one-hectare forestland.

Talisay City also went beyond its target, gathering more than 8,000 participants, way above the 4,000 who registered.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) gave two seedlings for each participant.

RAFI, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Talisay City government will maintain the seedlings planted in Jaclupan to ensure survival.

Government agencies and schools from the different local government units will also maintain the trees planted in their adopted areas.

RAFI, through its Integrated Development unit, will ensure that the first central planting site of the Run 2 Plant 4 will grow into a vibrant forest.

Quarterly reports will be released to the public about the status of the seedlings planted.

The National Secretariat of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) also joined the event. CEAP, with 1,286 member schools in the country, will implement nationwide the Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines next year.

The provinces of Negros Oriental, Bohol and Davao have already expressed interest to join the activity next year, which is set on June 30.

Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines is an activity under the GREENIN Philippines Program of RAFI.

The program, which piloted in Cebu, will be gradually implemented all over the country.

For more information about the program, contact 418-7234 local 519 and look for Myryl Mendoza.