In a remarkable display of unity and environmental stewardship, local communities, government agencies, non-government organizations, and concerned individuals in the CARAGA Region joined hands to participate in the conduct of a Nationwide Simultaneous Bamboo and Tree Planting event, where a total of 1,187 participants planted 4,621 bamboo and forest tree seedlings, with an aggregate area of 15.53 hectares in the 14 planting sites within the five provinces of the region on September 13, 2023.

The planting event coincides with His Excellency President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.’s natal day. 

Often referred to as “Green Gold,” bamboo holds massive potential for sustainable development, with usage ranging from construction and agriculture to environmental conservation. Recognizing this implication, Presidential Proclamation No. 1401 dated June 27, 2022, declared September of every year as “Philippine Bamboo Month”. This year’s celebration is themed “Buong Bansa Magtanim: Kawayan para sa Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran at Kinabukasan!”

As part of its continuous commitment to environmental conservation and protection, DENR-CARAGA organized and coordinated the Simultaneous Bamboo and Tree Planting event, drawing active support from stakeholders of the various sectors. This significant event aimed to raise awareness about the myriad benefits of bamboo and its contribution to the economic and social development of the country in support of the President’s socio-economic agenda with a tagline: Love for All: Lingap at Alagang Bayanihan.

Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo expressed his gratitude to all the participants who made the event successful. 

“This Simultaneous Bamboo and Tree Planting event exemplifies the power of collaborative action to achieve economic development and mitigate climate change not only in the present generation but also to those to come. We are committed to continuing our efforts in preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of our forest areas,” RED Tamayo said in his message during the short program held at Barangay Mahayahay, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, prior to the planting activities in the area.

"As the country celebrates the inaugural Philippine Bamboo Month this September, let this planting event serve us as an opportunity to provide an enormous benefit to the country and the people," RED Tamayo added.

Aside from Brgy. Mahayahay, Sibagat, the 14 planting area sites include Brgy. Mahayahay, Sibagat, Brgy. Poblacion, Prosperidad, Brgy. New Visayas, Trento, Brgy. Ilang-Ilang, Loreto, and Brgy. Dona Flavia, San Luis, all under the Province of Agusan del Sur, Sitio Lusong, Brgy. Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, Sitio Makasihi, Brgy. Camagong, and Brgy. Kinabjangan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, Brgy. Salog, Socorro, and Brgy. Cagniog, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Brgy. San Roque, Bislig, Brgy. Dahican, Carrascal, Libas Sud, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur and Brgy. Cuarinta, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands.