DUMAGUETE CITY – The massive forest restoration for a greener Negros project will mark its second year anniversary on Tuesday with a ceremonial planting of its two millionth tree in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
A “Tindalo” tree, a native species, will be planted by Negros Occidental’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Edgardo Rostata and a representative of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
Dubbed the “10M in 10 for a Greener Negros Movement”, or simply “10 M in 10”, the project aims to plant 10 million trees in 10 years in the whole island of Negros, comprising the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.
It is spearheaded by geothermal leader, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), and has for its partners government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, some schools, civil society organizations, the media and the private sector, among others.
Launched in 2015, EDC rolled out its master plan for this biggest forest restoration movement in Negros as part of their commitment to a sustainable green future.
Bannering the theme “Growth Through Partnerships”, the greening project will “highlight the importance of harnessing the power of collaboration among and between the 10M in 10 partners in working toward a Greener Negros Island”, said Frances Ariola of EDC’s Corporate Communications.
This year’s anniversary celebration will be held at the MassKara Hall of the Bacolod City Government Center in Negros Occidental.
Last year, the first year anniversary was held in Dumaguete City.
Highlighting this year’s anniversary celebration is the recognition of 10M in 10 partners who have planted more than 10,000 trees this year as their contribution to achieving the project’s goals, namely: “to help protect and restore the watersheds, improve the biodiversity, and build resilient communities in Negros Island in the next ten years,” according to Ariola.
In October this year, the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) and some partners targeted to plant at least 300,000 mangrove propagules in Tanjay City under the 10M in 10 movement, said NOCCI president Edward Du.
An estimated 150 partners will be present in Tuesday’s anniversary celebration, to include Mayor Edgar Teves of Valencia, Negros Oriental (host municipality to EDC’s 225mw geothermal power plants), Mayor Ernesto Estrao of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, local officials of Bacolod City and other parts of Negros Island, among others. (PNA)
