TREE FOR TREAT

KAREN GLAYNES O. LACSINA

One of the priorities of the government under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III is the National Greening Program (NGP). This is clearly stated in Executive Order No.26 declaring the implementation of NGP, where teachers, students and government employees are required to plant a minimum of ten seedlings per year.

What is it all about? Why do we need to engage in tree planting activities? Will our efforts make a difference in saving the environment? These are just some of the questions that may come across our minds.

Some of us might think that there should be more important priorities of the government than this one without realizing the significance and long time effect of this program.

Let us not be pessimistic on this, instead think of the essential role of trees in nurturing the environment and human life. Our concern for watersheds should likewise be given due attention taking into consideration that they serve as vital sources of water supply.

In our end, Bical Elementary School supports the NGP as mandated in EO No.26 by way of implementing tree planting activities involving our pupils, teachers, community leaders and parents.

The challenge to each one of us is we should have a deeper commitment to environmental protection through planting new trees and taking care of the existing ones.

Let us be one in this campaign to save the environment for our children and the next generation to come.

— oOo—

The author is Teacher III at Bical Elementary School, Mabalacat City