Governor’s Tree Park Launched

DAVAO ORIENTAL — Armed with bolos and planting gears, hundreds of employees from the Provincial Capitol and national agencies flocked at the Governor’s Tree Park in Barangay Dahican in the City of Mati to participate in the annual Simultaneous Tree Planting Activity and Launching of the Governor’s Tree Park in the morning of the 3rd Thursday of August. Situated at the sprawling Government Center in Barangay Dahican in the City of Mati, the Governor’s Tree Park was launched to honor Davao Oriental’s past Governors and to symbolize the province’s hope for a future where economic progress intertwines with environmental sustainability. The province-wide tree planting activity was part of a series of events slated for the celebration of Davao Oriental’s 50th Founding Anniversary and the province’s Million Trees Movement aimed at building a culture of sustainable development.

In the Governor’s Tree Park in the City of Mati alone, more than 1,000 narra seedlings had been planted during the activity. Officials here hope that most of the trees will survive so the currently empty Park will become a picturesque mini forest in the years to come, where people can stroll and enjoy nature. Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who was represented by the Capitol’s Chief of Staff Ednar Dayanghirang, dedicated the Park to the past Governors of the province whose astounding performance contributed to the Davao Oriental’s development. He gave special credit to Former Governor, now Representative of the first district, Cong. Corazon N. Malanyaon, for her remarkable achievements that made Davao Oriental among the leading provinces in the region not only in terms of economic progress but also in the field of environment protection.

“Why choose a tree to symbolize the governorship of the province? This is because, in today’s changing climate, trees represent hope and life. Standing trees strengthen the resilience of local people against the impacts of climate change as trees regulate temperature by cooling the environment, recharge watersheds, strengthen slopes against landslides, dissipate wind and wave energy,” said Dayanghirang, adding that trees also provide habitat for wildlife, food and medicine for the people. He compared leaders to a tree in their providing for the needs of their constituents. (with Karen Lou Deloso)