by: MARY GRACE BAÑARES, CDS II
Gubat, Sorsogon – On October 13, 2024, the Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative led a successful mangrove tree planting activity in Bongsaran, Gubat, Sorsogon, bringing together various community members and local officials in a unified effort to support environmental conservation. The event was organized to raise awareness on climate resilience and environmental protection. The event was attended by GSAC employees and officers, cooperative members from the Sorsogon Cooperative Union, LGU Gubat led by Mayor Ronnel Lim and Vice Mayor Valentine Pura IV, Barangay Rizal officials and council led by Punong Barangay Carlos V. Pura, the 1st Platoon 4th SO CAA Company Bongsaran Patrol Base, PENRO Sorsogon headed by Forester Marlon C. Francia, MENRO Gubat led by Ms. Lea Santos, and GSAC Laboratory Coop officers and members.
The activity began promptly at 8:00 a.m. played with a program that featured a pre-recorded invocation, setting a solemn tone for the day’s purpose. This was followed by opening remarks from GSAC Chairman Engr. Rene Hermo, who emphasized the crucial role of mangrove trees in combating climate change and protecting coastal areas. Engr. Hermo spoke on how mangrove forests act as natural barriers against storms and flooding.
Following his address, GSAC Board of Director Mr. Froilan Espedido highlighted the importance of proactive environmental efforts, especially in the Bicol region, which is often affected by typhoons. He encouraged participants to view the tree planting activity not just as a one-time activity but as an ongoing commitment to nature, stressing that planting mangrove trees today will benefit future generations by helping prevent floods and soil erosion.
Vice Mayor Valentine Pura IV also delivered a short message, expressing gratitude to everyone who joined the activity. He thanked the participants for taking the initiative to make a difference, noting how the mangrove planting would provide long-term benefits for the community and enhance local resilience to natural disaster.
Mr. Ramon Mendizabal, Provincial Cooperative Development Officer of Cooperative Development Authority Sorsogon Contact Office further underscored the importance of collective action, aligning his remarks with the Cooperative Month theme, “Stronger together today for a brighter tomorrow”. He spoke the power of unity and how cooperative efforts like this could address shared challengers and achieve common goals.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Atty. Bien Larosa, GSAC OIC CEO, who reiterated GSAC’s commitment to monitoring the progress of the mangrove trees plated that day and ensuring the sustainability effort.
After the program, participants received guidance from PENRO extension officer Mr. Jhumar Futol, who demonstrated proper planting techniques and educated the group on different types of mangrove trees and their environmental benefits. Following this session, the participants planted mangrove trees along the coastline, taking the lessons learned and applying them to ensure the best chance of survival for each seedling.
To cap off the event, GSAC provided refreshments to all participants, creating a sense of community and camaraderie among those involved. This tree planting activity was not only an opportunity to enhance the local ecosystem but also served as a call to action for the entire community to protect and preserve the environment for generations to come.
