By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
Marcos, Ilocos Norte—Over 200 saplings of narra and other native trees were planted in the mountainous barangay of Elizabeth in this town on August 22, 2019 to rehabilitate its watershed.
Tessie Diego, Ilocos Norte assistant provincial election officer said that as part of the 79th anniversary of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), all employees of Comelec joined in the simultaneous tree-plating activity nationwide.
“The tree planting activity is our simple way of promoting green environment and to inspire others to care for nature,” said Diego after climbing her way up the mountains and did her share of planting some narra seedlings amidst the threat of stormy weather that is currently battling this northern part of Luzon.
The Comelec has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources whose primary mandate is to ensure environment protection.
During the election period, both agencies of the government had been urging candidates to spare the trees when posting their campaign posters in public areas.
In Ilocos Norte, thousands of native trees through the environment and natural resources office are being distributed to people’s organizations, schools, including other public and private organizations to take an active role in building the green wall of the province.
These are planted in vacant lots and barren areas near watersheds.
Also, various local government units in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development continue to implement the cash for work program to help in the recovery of typhoon victims. In exchange for doing community projects, such as tree planting, repair and reconstruction of damaged houses and community facilities, clean-up and garbage collection, among others, each beneficiary receives cash based on the prevailing regional wages.