Join IP Children & Elders Replant 1000 Trees

We are pleased to report that the tree planting activities have been sustained in the gradual reforestation activities of the community. The recent typhoons locally dubbed as Oddette and Paeng that caused landslides, erosion and flooding once again refreshed the community's awareness of the importance of trees amidst  possible damage  from the storm.

In fact it has been reported by the weather bureau in the recent onslaught of typhoon Paeng that much of the low lying as well as other upland  areas  in Northern Luzon Island have been spared by the strong winds.  This was because the typhoon traveresed  in the North along the so called Sierra Madre range. 

The Sierra Madre mountain range is also called the “backbone of Luzon,” and with good reason. It is the longest mountain range in the Philippines; in addition, it is one of the country’s most biodiverse areas.

Covering Luzon’s northeast coast and serving as a natural shield against Pacific typhoons, Sierra Madre stretches across roughly 1.4 million hectares of land, spanning 10 provinces. It is about 500 km (310.69 mi) in length. It also encompasses no less than sixty-eight protected areas in the Philippines, including marine reserves and national parks (Published on November 11, 2020 by Mikael Angelo Francisco)

What struck most in the consciousness of the community is that a mountainous area with thick forest cover like the Sierra Madre is a natural protection against typhoon.  This further encouraged them to go on with their tree planting activities for reasons cited above.  Luckily, they also benefited from the shield of Sierra Madre as they didn't encounter any untoward damage as a result.  This event motivated them further to continue in judiciously replanting trees for the purpose.

Recently, the community continues to search for naturally growing seedings in areas where there are still trees abounding.  It would be much easier to regrow plant species that are endemic in the forest region due to its inherent adaptive capacity to the local climate , soil and temperautures.  

While previously they focused on barren spaces, they concentrated recently in filling in patches and bald areas within intermittent sections where secondary trees are still existing.  More than ever, they applied the provisions of their "lappat" system , a customary indigenous law enacted to protect and rejuvenate their natural resources especially their forest.  It's a good thing that the community elders dutifully enforces this law to ensure that the forest by itself are left to naturally develop and flourish. 

Aside from the elders and adults, such customary law is inculcated also into the minds of the young.  This is to develop their consciousness on the ways of protecting their environment  being the next generation expected to assume enforcement of these laws to sustain their  natural resources.

It is heartwarming to note that the deterioration of the forest in the area would be averted given these collective efforts of the community

We thank you all likewise for being part of the endeavor through your generous contributions to the community.  Your $10 and $ 20 can buy some polyethelen plastic bags for tree  seedlings that can easily be carried by children.  

Thank you so much and this is wishing you as well a Happy New Year.  God bless you for your kindness.

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