By Khriscielle Yalao
Five hundred bamboo seedlings were planted in communities within Taytay, Rizal during a municipal-wide activity held on Thursday, Jan. 20, as part of the Ynares Eco System (YES) to Green Program.
The YES to Green program is the local government’s response to drastic environmental changes brought about by the climate crisis. It was also launched in preparation for unexpected natural disasters that may hit the province.
Bamboo seedlings were distributed and planted in three barangays in Taytay.
The local government said 100 seedlings were distributed in Simona Subdivision, Brgy. San Isidro; 100 seedlings in Lower Purok 17, Brgy. San Juan; and 300 seedlings in Sitio Sala, Brgy. San Juan.
The planting activity was spearheaded by Rizal Gov. Rebecca Ynares, Rizal Vice Gov. Jun Rey San Juan, Taytay Mayor Joric Gacula, and Taytay Vice Mayor Mitch Bermundo.
It was made possible in cooperation with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) headed by Rodolfo de Leon Jr, the Rizal Tourism Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the municipal councils of San Isidro and San Juan.
The activity aims to strengthen the cooperation between the local government and the communities in protecting and conserving the province’s natural resources and environment.
The municipality of Taytay is considered one of the “catch basins” in the province of Rizal, making the town prone to flooding during the rainy season.
According to the Rizal Public Information Office (PIO), the local government has chosen bamboo trees because their stability can strengthen the lands near the rivers to prevent landslides and flooding.
In 2020, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recommended the planting of bamboo as part of the rehabilitation program for the Cagayan River for its higher survival rate and faster growth rate compared to other trees.
The provincial government of Rizal also conducted a bamboo tree-planting activity on Wednesday, Jan. 19, in Brgy. Punta in Jalajala, Rizal.
Around 2,000 bamboo seedlings were planted in Hinulugang Taktak in Antipolo City on Dec. 17, 2021.
Bamboo tree-planting events were also held in the municipality of Binangonan on Dec. 21, and the municipality of Pililla on Dec. 30, 2021.