Massive greening program, launched by Manay Gina

Rep. Gina de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan

“As stewards of our environment, it is our responsibility to ensure that the next generation will enjoy the benefits of having a healthy and rich forest of trees”, said Rep. Gina de Venecia of Pangasinan’s 4th District, during the launching of her district-wide greening program in Dagupan City, over the weekend. She said that the greening project is aimed at establishing mini- forest in all public schools, soil protection system along the river banks, and beautification of major hi-ways. “More important than the aesthetic value is the health benefits that we can derive from trees because they also act as powerful shield against the toxic carbon dioxide emissions from motorized vehicles”, she added. For two days, Rep. De Venecia has distributed a total of 107,059 assorted tree seedlings to Dagupan City and the towns of Mangaldan, Manaoag, San Jacinto and San Fabian. For roadside beautification, Rep. De Venecia gave 33, 965 flowering trees like Caballero, Fire Tree, Golden Shower and Tecoma. For the establishment of mini forest in public shools, she gave away, 21, 962 seedlings of narra, 20,083 seedlings of mahogany and 5,000 seedlings of Kamagong. De Venecia also said, “Planting bamboos along riverbanks has been proven as an effective measure to mitigate the problem of soil erosion,” For river bank stabilization, she distributed a total of 26,049 seedlings of kawayang bayog and kawayang tinik. According to PENRO chief Ledwina Co, it has been found out that the young trees are major deterrent against floods as they are more powerful in absorbing water than older trees. The project is being implemented by Rep. De Venecia in cooperation with the local government units and government agencies like the PENRO (Provincial Environement and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) that will monitor its implementation in the four towns. In Dagupan City, Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez will oversee the project, in cooperation with the CENRO (City Environment and Natural Resources Office). Pangasinan’s 4th District is an area which is frequently hit by heavy floods during rainy season. In 2009, typhoon Pepeng submerged 90 percent of the District due to the sudden release of water by the San Roque Dam, and heavy siltation of its river systems.