Southern Leyte aims to be E. Visayas’ greenest province

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte — Southern Leyte could become the greenest province in Eastern Visayas because of its massive tree planting campaign.

Southern Leyte Rep. Roger G. Mercado said close to six million trees have been planted in various parts of Southern Leyte and more are still being planted.

Mercado said on Monday 10,000 seedlings were planted in Barangay Laboon, the birthplace of President Rodrigo Duterte, as part of a reforestation drive.

"We have to be known as the greenest province in Eastern Visayas as we have planted almost six million trees and more are being planted. We have to care for our mother earth by planting trees and this helps fight global warming and climate change," Mercado told Manila Bulletin.

He said they started planting trees in Southern Leyte in 1987.

Joined the tree planting in the mountain of Laboon were Mrs. Luz Mercado, Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado, Maasin City Mayor Niko Mercado, city officials, provincial officials, and officials and employees of various national government agencies, students, women’s groups and civic organizations.

Mercado, who marked his 65th birthday, said trees were always planted in Maasin during his birthday and other celebrations of the city and provincial governments.

He said that after Southern Leyte was struck by the deadly Guinsaugon landslide and Typhoon Yolanda, the residents have grown more concerned about the environment.